TikTok algorithm promoted antisemitic videos

TikTok has deleted a collection of videos found by the BBC to be using a sickening antisemitic song that gained more than 6.5 million views.

The song includes the lyrics: “We’re going on a trip to a place called Auschwitz, it’s shower time.” The first video to use the song showed a giant robot scorpion with a swastika attacking and killing people.

The collection of videos attracted the large audience in less than three days before they were removed. TikTok’s algorithm ensured that video alone got more than six million views and other videos that made further use of the song accounted for the additional half a million views.

Nearly 100 users chose the song for their own videos. One showed a character from the computer game Roblox that looks like Hitler. Another used a clip of a shooter game where people are killed by green gas canisters. Other videos used imagery from films or television documentaries about the Holocaust.

TikTok took about eight hours to remove all the offending videos. A spokeswoman said: “Keeping our users safe is a top priority for TikTok, and our community guidelines make clear what is not acceptable on our platform.

“We do not tolerate any content that includes hate speech, and the sound in question, along with all associated videos, have now been removed. While we will not catch every instance of inappropriate content, we are continuously improving our technologies and policies to ensure TikTok remains a safe place for positive creative expression.'”

The user who posted the original video that started the meme appears to be a young teenager from the UK. He did not respond to requests for comment and his account was still live at the time of writing. He wrote on his profile that he had gained 12,000 new followers after posting the video.

related

Subscribe to EJC newsletter

Get EJC's bi-weekly newsletter, including the latest statements and news from the European Jewish communities, direct to your inbox.

European Jewish Congress will use the information you provide on this form to contact you. We will treat your information with respect and will not share it with others. By clicking Subscribe, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Statements

European Jewish Congress calls on EU and UN leaders to cease its one-sided Israel bashing that has direct consequences for Jews in Europe

“The constant flow of Israel-bashing by senior leaders in the EU and the UN with little to no criticism of Hamas terror is clearly the main contributory factor to huge growth in antisemitism recorded by all European Jewish communities since October 7 last year,” said EJC President Dr Ariel Muzicant.