The issue of frank communication and responsiveness of the TikTok platform has become a focal point of concern in Ukraine, particularly given the recent and serious disinformation campaigns[timESTAMP 21.01.25, 09:31]. Last week, the UNN也被 reported to have said that everything was fine with TikTok. The user in question, Andriy Kovalenko, the journalist at the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, emphasized the extent of these disinformation efforts, stating that Ukraine has lacked a response mechanism.
Kovalenko highlighted that there has been a situation of cooperation between platforms, such as Google, TikTok, and other social networks, which has been alluding to the need for greater transparency in addressing disinformation. Specifically, he noted that other platforms, like TikTok, are responsive and promptly block disinformation pages with Russian disinformation about Ukraine. However, he also pointed out that some disinformation attempts occur independently without prompting, leading to cooperation. This led to a need for clearer roles and clearer standards for handling disinformation algorithms.
Kovalenko connected this issue back to Russia’s increased activity in the field of disinformation, which has tripled since spring, with significant efforts to spread harmful messages online. These disinformation campaigns, including those targeting social media platforms like X (Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, have targeted Ukraine with messages presenting a(“”). While these aims may stem from fundamentalist beliefs, Russia has also-sectorally voted to participate in US Stuff tags, where certain entities are flagged as false information sources. Kovalenko further elaborated that the situation is complex, as Russia has intensified its disinformation campaign on social networks across various regions, including Ukraine.
Additionally, Kovalenko criticized the lack of clarity and proper handling of disinformation in the Ukraine context. He emphasized the need for the Russian government to address the issues of identification and responsibility regarding disinformation more effectively. Kovalenko suggested that despite mutual cooperation between platforms, such as the blocking of disinformation in Russia, it is still necessary for the international community to align on how to handle disinformation in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Kovalenko acknowledged that Trump has significantly increased the reliance on TikTok in the US, with his recent postponement of a TikTok ban by 75 days in the relevant region. He noted that this is a critical point, as a delay can have long-lasting effects on the social media ecosystem and international relations.
In summary, Ukraine’s response to disinformation efforts has been a challenge, with increments in Russia’s activities, the need for coordinated efforts, and the importance of dialogue to address the issue. The case of TikTok in Ukraine highlights the intricate juncture of public perception and theuteness of disinformation campaigns targeting a cold climate. Kovalenko’s comments underscore the need for a more proactive approach to handling disinformation and ensuring the well-being of both domestic and international audiences.
