6 ms·

This argument always strikes me as weird given that we know domestic social networks are doing precisely this, adjusting their algorithms to promote or suppress

This argument always strikes me as weird given that we know domestic social networks are doing precisely this, adjusting their algorithms to promote or suppress things for political reasons, but I have yet to see any claim that TikTok has ever done this, only that they could.

usernomdeguerre 3y ago
Given that we've learned about western companies practices here as a result of whistleblowers it seems unlikely we'll see that from Bytedance. Especially considering how they've treated whistleblowers so far.
snoman 3y ago
Please excuse my ignorance here, but how do we know that?
- johngladtj 3y ago
  Is this a good faith request for information?
  - snoman 3y ago
    Absolutely. My ignorance on the issue is not feigned. A lot of news feels like noise so I avoid it almost completely. That means I miss a lot of the big stories. It’s a balance that I’m still ok with. Someone else did post some material though, and I was able to find some information googling myself as well.
- falcolas 3y ago
  Cambridge Analytica scandal aside, we know from first hand research papers that Facebook has conducted experiments to manipulate users' moods. We also have whistleblower data that they (allegedly intentionally) intentionally ignored manipulation for the 2016 election. Worth reading Sophie Zhang's narrative: https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/07/29/1030260/facebook-whistleblower-sophie-zhang-global-political-manipulation/ https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/07/29/1030260/facebook... Sure, none of these is a smoking gun for the explicit claim that the companies themselves are explicitly manipulating users, but they certainly appear to be complicit. Complicit in a conspiracy (in the legal sense) to influence voters.
  - snoman 3y ago
    Thank you!
Tangurena2 3y ago
TikTok is owned by the "wrong" race of people. Cambridge Analytica, FaceBook and Twitter are owned by the "correct" race of people. That's where the legislator's goals are headed - control of social media by politically acceptable people.

usernomdeguerre 3y ago

Given that we've learned about western companies practices here as a result of whistleblowers it seems unlikely we'll see that from Bytedance. Especially considering how they've treated whistleblowers so far.

snoman 3y ago

Please excuse my ignorance here, but how do we know that?

johngladtj 3y ago
Is this a good faith request for information?
- snoman 3y ago
  Absolutely. My ignorance on the issue is not feigned. A lot of news feels like noise so I avoid it almost completely. That means I miss a lot of the big stories. It’s a balance that I’m still ok with. Someone else did post some material though, and I was able to find some information googling myself as well.
falcolas 3y ago
Cambridge Analytica scandal aside, we know from first hand research papers that Facebook has conducted experiments to manipulate users' moods. We also have whistleblower data that they (allegedly intentionally) intentionally ignored manipulation for the 2016 election. Worth reading Sophie Zhang's narrative: https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/07/29/1030260/facebook-whistleblower-sophie-zhang-global-political-manipulation/ https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/07/29/1030260/facebook... Sure, none of these is a smoking gun for the explicit claim that the companies themselves are explicitly manipulating users, but they certainly appear to be complicit. Complicit in a conspiracy (in the legal sense) to influence voters.
- snoman 3y ago
  Thank you!

Tangurena2 3y ago

TikTok is owned by the "wrong" race of people. Cambridge Analytica, FaceBook and Twitter are owned by the "correct" race of people. That's where the legislator's goals are headed - control of social media by politically acceptable people.