The popular social media app TikTok has come under fire for allegedly syphoning off a significant portion of donations made through the service and enabling livestreamed begging through the use of “TikTok middlemen.”
A BBC investigation found that displaced Syrian families in camps have been urged to spend hours at a time live on the platform in an effort to raise money.
According to the BBC, some streams can make up to NZ$1800 every hour, although TikTok’s part of the revenue can be as high as 70%.
The phones and other necessary equipment are supplied by the “TikTok intermediaries” for the livestreams.
The BBC tracked the donations for five months by following 30 TikTok accounts that were live-broadcasting from Syrian camps.
The social media company’s response read: “We are deeply concerned by the information and allegations brought to us by the BBC, and have taken prompt and rigorous action.
Our global regulations against exploitative begging are being further strengthened, and this kind of content is not permitted on our site.
TikTok is accused of making money off of families’ begging livestreams.
About Author
