TikTok and Lupa discuss Environment and Disinformation during the sixth cycle of the Council

The sixth cycle of meetings of the Media and Democracy Council focused on misinformation and hate speech in disaster contexts, addressing concerns and proposing initiatives and partnerships to improve information dissemination in such situations. The workshop outlined action plans for the platform and explored modes of cooperation for communication during disasters. Participants included Marcela Duarte, Product Manager at Lupa, and reporter Carol Macário, also from Lupa. Finally, the plenary session featured Gustavo Rodrigues, Public Policy Manager at TikTok, who discussed how such information circulates on the platform.

The workshop led by Lupa began with the concept of "Climate Disinformation," which involves the dissemination and production of content denying the existence or impacts of climate change on the planet. This is achieved through materials that sow doubt and uncertainty about global warming, discrediting science and hindering the implementation of necessary measures to mitigate the climate crisis. The fact-checking outlet highlighted strategic actions, parameters, and projects carried out during the crisis in Rio Grande do Sul to combat misinformation, such as providing content to other media outlets and partnering with research and extension projects at UFSM.

In the meeting with Gustavo, he addressed TikTok’s parameters for dealing with misinformation and measures to moderate the dissemination of AI-generated content. Researchers and council members, however, raised concerns about limited access to reports and the lack of transparency in the platform's information. According to Gustavo, TikTok adopts a strict approach that not only flags harmful content but removes it from the platform and enforces a ban on political ads. Regarding data-related initiatives, there is an expectation for access to be opened. In the meantime, efforts are being made to establish channels with researchers and generate insights to adjust these policies and combat harmful content and/or problematic profiles.