Most of us laypeople know TikTok as a social media platform where youngsters dance around to songs we haven’t heard of, or lip sync viral videos we’re too lazy to Google.
However, just like other rapidly growing social media platforms before it, TikTok is expanding its repertoire and bolstering its resume.
The company today announced it would be teaming with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and launching an in-app 2022 Federal Election Guide.
The Guide will reportedly promote the importance of being enrolled to vote, and provide “authoritative information” on where and how to vote.
TikTok users will be able to interact with the Guide anytime they search Election-related content on the TikTok app.
According to a statement released by TikTok on Friday 25 March, the in-app Election Guide “reflects [TikTok’s] ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of our platform and the Australian federal election.”
So, what does TikTok and the AEC hope to achieve with this new Guide?
For starters, the social media giant aims to encourage the 600,000 un-enrolled Aussies to participate in the nation’s largest democratic process. TikTok users who visit the Election Guide will be directed to the AEC’s website, where they can enrol, or view their enrolment status.
TikTok also hopes to combat the spread of misinformation on its platform ahead of the 2022 Federal Election. The company announced it will bolster its fact-checking practices by partnering with the Australian Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
Alongside grown adults twerking, TikTok will also be adding public service announcements to election-related pages to remind users of the community guidelines and fact verification.
“We’re liaising closely with TikTok and greatly appreciate their collaboration in driving participation in the election process, and on measures designed to preserve election integrity,” said AEC director of digital engagement, Evan Ekin-Smyth.
“We’re excited by TikTok’s Election Guide and its potential to be an important resource for the platform’s community. The hub will help Australian voters on TikTok access credible, reliable information to enrol and vote.”
Australian Associated Press CEO, Lisa Davies added, “AAP has always been committed to factual, independent content and through AAP FactCheck, we are also actively working to minimise the spread of misinformation.
“Our partnership with TikTok is a significant expansion of that work and in the context of the forthcoming federal election, this will take on increased importance.”
Fact checking and voting enrolment are undeniably important things. Let’s hope TikTok’s new political initiatives and Election Guide will be enough to scare away all the cringe-inducing drama students from its platform.
