The popular video sharing platform has also hidden criticism of Tr*mp.
An investigation by The Guardian has revealed that local censors working at TikTok have been banning LGBTQ content in Turkey, despite the fact that homosexuality remains legal in the country.
The content banned by the censors in Turkey are things seen to be positive toward the LGBTQ community, including same-sex couples holding hands, showing off LGBTQ characters from television shows or films and any content that protected the rights of the LGBTQ community, like Pride marches.
Local moderators have also censored videos showing alcohol consumption or other religions, despite both being legal in the country.
The Guardian report says that Turkey is just one of the countries with ‘conservative moral codes’ to be employing the “strict” guidelines from TikTok that allows the country to censor more content surrounding nudity and vulgarity.
Guidelines also showed that certain political leaders weren’t allowed to be spoofed on the platform. These included the Turkish leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as well as anti-gay leaders like Vladimir Putin and Donald Tr*mp.
A statement from TikTok said the company was “a platform for creativity, and committed to equality and diversity.
“Our platform has experienced rapid growth in Turkey and other markets, and as we grow we are constantly learning and refining our approach to moderation.
“The referenced guidelines regarding LGBTQ content in Turkey are no longer in use, and we have since made significant progress in establishing a more robust localised approach.
“However, we recognise the need to do more and we are actively working with local third parties and independent advisers to ensure our processes are appropriate.”
Related: Istanbul bans the Queer Olympix because of “social sensitivities”
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