TikTok, the popular social media platform, has received more requests to remove content from Australia and New Zealand than from Iraq, according to an analysis of the company’s published data. From January to June 2023, Australia sent 470 requests and New Zealand sent 215, while Iraq only sent five requests during the same period. However, on a per capita basis, Australia and New Zealand lead the pack with 5.35 and 4.06 notices per 100,000 population, respectively.
The analysis also revealed that Russia and Bangladesh requested more items to be censored than any other countries, with 792 and 474 notices issued respectively. Interestingly, countries known for tightly controlling their citizens’ rights to free speech, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia, ranked lower on the list.
Surprisingly, the United States had the lowest number of requests per capita, with only 11 notices issued. On the other hand, Egypt, Romania, and South Africa had the lowest total number of requests, with each country issuing only one or two notices.
It is worth noting that TikTok did not receive any requests from China or Myanmar, both known for their repressive regimes. Similarly, one of the most populous countries in the world, India, did not make any requests either.
The Free Speech Union in Australia, which is currently running a petition to abolish the eSafety Commissioner’s office, acknowledges that countries with fewer requests may have fewer users on TikTok or block content directly at the Internet Service Provider level. However, they are concerned that Australia may adopt a similar regime in the future.
Reuben Kirkham, Co-Director of the Free Speech Union, expressed his concern about Australia potentially adopting stricter measures: “If this happens, then we would be in poor company, at least for a democratic society. This is one of the many reasons that we consider the eSafety regime should be abolished.”
The analysis of TikTok’s data provides valuable insights into the global landscape of content removal requests. It highlights the varying approaches taken by different countries when it comes to regulating online speech. While some nations actively seek to censor content on social media platforms, others prioritize free speech and have fewer requests for content removal.
Ultimately, finding the right balance between protecting citizens from harmful content and preserving freedom of expression remains a complex challenge for both governments and social media platforms. As the internet continues to evolve, it is crucial to have ongoing discussions and debates on these issues to ensure a fair and open digital environment for all.
