TikTok made money from getting Syrian refugees to beg in livestreams
by Ashley Belanger from Ars Technica - All content on (#64QXF)
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After the BBC launched an investigation into how TikTok profits off Syrian families in crisis-reportedly violating TikTok policies by begging live for TikTok gifts that are exchangeable for cash-TikTok immediately took action, banning all accounts that BBC identified. These accounts, a TikTok spokesperson told Ars, violated TikTok community standards that prohibit "exploitative begging."
TikTok defines exploitative begging as using children or other vulnerable people in attempts to increase gifts. The platform also prohibits children under 18 from receiving gifts.
"We are deeply concerned by the information brought to us by the BBC," a TikTok spokesperson said.