Update on our Efforts to Work with TikTok

Our problems with the TikTok platform started in the fall of 2021. We have made an extensive good faith effort to try and work with their community support and legal team.

On January 28, 2022, utilizing our professional network, we were able to make direct contact with senior leadership within TikTok legal. We received an almost instant response, that the matter would be directed to appropriate parties, and we were hopeful.

On March 2, 2022, we contacted TikTok again, indicating we had no response from our January 28 request. We presented our documentation of attempting to work with TikTok, and making a good faith effort to request support, and demonstrating that TikTok was in violation of their Terms of Service. We advised TikTok that it was not our desire to request informal arbitration, but due to a lack of response Malcontent News was out of options.

We got a response, and for a three week period we were able to get direct support and provided additional documentation of the challenges TikTok content moderation creates.

On March 23, 2022, we were served with a letter electronically, directing us to third-party counsel. It is out assumption, regrettably, that TikTok is intending to move to arbitration. 

In the interest of transparency, I've attached our response. The TikTok that was removed on March 22 for "violent and graphic content," remains "under review," despite acknowledgement that the content did not violate TikTok guidelines.

We remain hopeful that we will not have to move to formal arbitration. It would be a tragic use of financial resources. We do have an attorney on retainer that specializes in journalism, and have received a reference for a dedicated social media attorney.

Thank you for your continued support and there is no need to do anything on your part. As our financial supporters, we believe it is important for you to have visibility into critical matters that could impact our organization.