{
  "id": 12835001,
  "title": "TikTok, IEC unveil Election Centre to tackle misinformation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/tiktok-iec-unveil-election-centre-to-tackle-misinformation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-08T09:03:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/tiktok-iec-unveil-election-centre-tackle-misinformation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As South Africa prepares for its upcoming local government elections, the social media platform TikTok has introduced a range of measures to safeguard election integrity and provide users with reliable information. Collaborating with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), TikTok has launched an in-app Election Centre designed to streamline access to trusted data on election dates, procedures, and the electoral process. This center also features an AI media literacy hub that educates users on recognizing AI-generated content and using artificial intelligence responsibly. TikTok has further integrated election-related labels and search banners within the app, enabling users to reach the Election Centre swiftly. Tholoana Ncheke-Mahlaela, TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy Lead for Southern Africa, emphasized the initiative's role in empowering South Africans to engage in informed public participation. Tholoana added that the in-app Election Centre will be a valuable resource for accessing accurate election information. The IEC expressed appreciation for TikTok’s partnership, highlighting the growing significance of accessible, trustworthy election information as more voters rely on digital platforms. The chief electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, pointed out that the Election Centre on TikTok will help voters connect with official information, thereby supporting informed participation and bolstering confidence in the electoral process. To combat misinformation, TikTok has established a dedicated elections task force comprising experts in platform integrity, cybersecurity, misinformation, deceptive behavior, and election integrity. This team is tasked with preventing content that could mislead voters, interfere with electoral processes, discourage voting, or encourage unlawful disruption of election outcomes. Utilizing a combination of moderation technologies and local-language moderators, TikTok works with global safety teams to identify and remove harmful content. The platform also reported its moderation efforts in South Africa, revealing that over 1.1 million videos were removed in Q1 2026 for violating community guidelines, with 99.6% of these removals occurring proactively. Furthermore, approximately 90,000 videos were removed between January and March for violations related to civic and election integrity, misinformation, and harmful AI-generated content. Over 99% of this election-related content was removed before it was reported. TikTok reiterates that it does not permit paid political advertising on its platform and prohibits politicians and political parties from monetizing their accounts. However, official election management bodies may run advertisements containing essential voter information such as registration guidance, polling details, and participation information. As election campaigning intensifies in the lead-up to the November 4 vote, TikTok remains committed to combating misinformation, promoting credible information, and protecting the integrity of election-related discussions on the platform.",
  "summary": "The Election Centre includes an AI media literacy hub that offers guidance on recognising AI-generated content.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}