TikTok propaganda labels fall flat in ‘huge win’ for Russia

Social media platforms often rely on labels to let users know an account is operated by a Russian state propaganda agency. But new research shows that on TikTok at least, the labels aren't very effective even when they're applied consistently. — AP

WASHINGTON: A year ago, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, TikTok started labelling accounts operated by Russian state propaganda agencies as a way to tell users they were being exposed to Kremlin disinformation.

An analysis a year later shows the policy has been applied inconsistently. It ignores dozens of accounts with millions of followers. Even when used, labels have little impact on Russia's ability to exploit TikTok's powerful algorithms as part of its effort to shape public opinion about the war.