Meta, owner of Facebook, Instagram and others social media platform is reportedly paying a well-known GOP consulting firm to build public mistrust of TikTok.
That campaign launched by the Republican strategy Targeted Victory, posted articles and letters to the editor in various publications accusing TikTok of being danger for american childrentogether with other derogatory accusations.
Firm wanted to get a message out that while Meta is current punching bag, TikTok is real a threat, especially as a foreign application, which is No. 1 in data exchange, which young teenagers using”, – wrote director for firm in February letter, part of treasury of emails exposed by the Washington Post.
“My dream would be to receive stories with headlines like “From dancing to danger: how TikTok has become the most harmful social media space for children,” wrote another employee.
Campaign operatives promoted the stories to local residents. media, including some unsubstantiated claims that link TikTok to allegedly dangerous trends popular among teens despite the fact that these trends have originated on Facebook.
Such trends include the 2021 “insidious lick” viral trend, in which students vandalized the school. property. Targeted Victory stories on “insidious suck” to local publications in Michigan, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Washington. But the trend initially spread on Facebook, according to Anna Foley’s investigation with podcast Reply to all.
Working Campaigns also used posts against TikTok to deflect criticism received by Meta for its privacy policy and antitrust policy.
“Bonus point if we can fit this into the broader message that current bills/offers not where [state attorneys general] or members of Congress should stay focused,” wrote a Targeted Victory employee.
IN comment The Post spokesman for TikTok said the company is “deeply concerned” about the incitement of local media reports on supposed trends that were not found on Platform”.
Meta spokesman Andy Stone defended campaign in the Washington Post, stating, “We believe that all platforms, including TikTok, should face level of checking sequential with their growth success”.
