TikTok Launches 'In-App Election Center' in Nepal Ahead of General Elections

Kathmandu. TikTok has announced the launch of its 'In-App Election Center' in Nepal. This feature has been introduced with the objective of providing users with easy access to accurate, reliable, and official information targeting the upcoming general elections.

According to TikTok, this service is being launched in Nepal as a continuation of its election fairness and integrity initiatives, which have been implemented in over 200 elections globally since 2020.

In this regard, TikTok has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Election Commission, Nepal, to promote election fairness and integrity. TikTok also stated that a capacity-building workshop was conducted at the Commission premises. The workshop discussed responsible digital participation, measures to control misleading information, and strengthening understanding regarding election ethics among stakeholders.

The 'Election Center' available within the app has been developed in collaboration with the Election Commission. It includes information on Nepal's electoral process, where and how to vote, methods to identify misleading information, and links to the Commission's official sources. It was stated that users will be directed to this center using special tags on election-related content and searches.

Ferdous Motakin, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for South Asia at TikTok, stated that elections are a crucial moment for democracy and affirmed the platform's commitment to promoting informed participation and a safe digital environment.

TikTok stated that it has implemented strict policies to control harmful and misleading information. Content monitoring will be conducted with the help of advanced moderation technology and security experts, and an 'Election Taskforce' has also been mobilized for Nepal. Measures such as labeling unverified content, removing it from recommendations, or issuing warnings before sharing will be adopted.

Furthermore, covert influence operations, fake identities, and artificial engagement like bot networks are prohibited. TikTok stated that actions taken against such activities will be made public through the 'Transparency Center'.

It was also stated that there is a mandatory labeling requirement for AI-generated content, and technologies like C2PA Content Credentials can be used to identify AI-generated content created on other platforms.

TikTok announced that it will continue to publish updates and details of its initiatives regarding the upcoming general elections through the 'Global Election Integrity Hub'.