Dim Amor
The application that purported to be a stage for all has transformed into a digital battleground where Israel and Jews are silenced, while antisemitic hatred flourishes unimpeded.
In today's digital world, where freedom of expression ought to be a supreme value, there lurks an application that conducts a scandalous and discriminatory censorship policy. TikTok, the popular social network that has conquered the globe, reveals itself as a problematic platform that fosters antisemitism and hatred towards Israel.
In recent months, a disturbing phenomenon has come to light: TikTok systematically deletes profiles and responses of Israelis and Jews who support the State of Israel. Numerous users have found themselves silenced without prior warning and without the possibility of appealing the decision. Concurrently, anti-Israeli and antisemitic content enjoys absolute immunity.
Daniel Gitman, a renowned Israeli blogger engaged in public diplomacy, also fell victim to TikTok's discriminatory policy. "I thought I was bringing Israel's voice to a global platform. Instead, I found myself silenced and ostracized", Gitman stated in an interview.
What is even more disconcerting is that while pro-Israeli content is being erased, millions of profiles using the hashtag "free palestine" or disseminating blatantly anti-Israeli content remain unscathed. Even complaints about inciting content or vulgar curses against Jews and Israelis fall on deaf ears.
Is this mere negligence, or perhaps a deliberate policy? It is difficult not to wonder whether TikTok, a Chinese application holding information on approximately 2 billion individuals, is not exploiting its power to advance an anti-Israeli agenda.
However, TikTok's problems are not limited to censorship alone. The application employs additional dubious practices, such as retaining cache data of users' devices even after the application has been deleted. This practice, bordering on illegality, prevents blocked users from re-registering and raises serious questions regarding privacy and data security.
In light of all this, it is unsurprising that TikTok has found itself at the eye of a legal storm in Israel. A class action lawsuit has been filed in the Tel Aviv District Court by attorney Shira Etzioni, demanding that the company be held accountable for its actions.
TikTok operates in Israel and profits from it; the company must act in accordance with the country's laws and respect its values.
The question that arises is: Will TikTok finally be compelled to confront the consequences of its discriminatory policy? Will the court force the Chinese giant to alter its ways?
At present, many among Israel's citizens find themselves facing a complex dilemma. On the one hand, the platform offers extensive opportunities for exposure and creative expression. On the other hand, it reveals itself as a hostile and discriminatory arena.
"We do not seek preferential treatment. All we desire is an equitable opportunity to make our voices heard", Gitman declares resolutely. As the affair continues to unfold and branch out, it is evident that TikTok stands at a crucial crossroads. Will it choose to rectify its ways and become a more fair and inclusive platform? Or will it persist in adhering to its problematic policy, thereby risking the loss of public trust and severe legal ramifications?
We at the "Maakav" editorial board have approached TikTok for comment, but as of yet, we have received no response.
