TikTok works to remove a harrowing video from its platform

Warning: This article is about suicide and it could be distressing for some people.

A social media giant says it is “aggressively” trying to remove a disturbing video from its platform and will take action against any user who shares the content online.

The images, which appear to show a man dying by suicide, were first shared Monday morning New Zealand time.

It was originally streamed live on Facebook, but has since been distributed on other platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, prompting a warning for parents and caregivers to verify their children.

Lee Hunter, general manager of TikTok Australia and New Zealand, said the platform was working to remove the images.

“We understand the serious responsibility we have, along with all platforms, to effectively address harmful content and we want to reiterate that the safety of our users is our highest priority,” he said.

“This content is both distressing and a clear violation of our community norms, and we have acted quickly and aggressively to detect and remove videos, and take action against accounts responsible for republishing the content, via a combination of machine learning models and human moderation. teams “.

Hunter said he shares the concern expressed by New Zealand authorities and the wider community that materials like this are being developed and shared.

“We are working closely with local legislators and relevant organizations to keep them informed,” he said.

“We’ve also updated the related hashtags to show a public service announcement, with resources where people can seek help and access our Safety Center.”

TikTok users had reported harmful content on the app and warned others not to participate in it, Hunter said.

The executive director of the Mental Health Foundation, Shaun Robinson, said that the images “put vulnerable people at an extremely high risk of real harm,” and that it was a good time to consult with Rangitahi about their use of the networks. social.

Netsafe offered resources to parents who wanted to support their children who had been exposed to disturbing content, while Chief Censor David Shanks had tried to contact China-based TikTok about their concerns.

Netsafe CEO Martin Cocker, whose organization is the lead agency for enforcing the Harmful Digital Communications Act, previously told the Herald that he had seen an increase in complaints about content on TikTok as the platform grew in size. popularity.

“Netsafe now has an operational connection with the TikTok trust and security team and we can help New Zealanders with any issues they experience on their platform,” he said.

Cocker said she has been taking calls from various schools, with Netsafe helping them prepare notices for parents and caregivers.

There have been reports that the harrowing TikTok clip has also been repackaged with harmless content, so the platform still needs to be approached with caution.

Netsafe has also posted two warnings that could help parents deal with the situation: “Understanding TikTok” and “Helping young people exposed to disturbing content,” he said.

Meanwhile, Facebook spokeswoman Gina Murphy said the original video was removed from Facebook the day it aired, and that the company used automation technology to remove copies and uploads at the time.

“Our thoughts remain with [the victim’s] family and friends during this difficult time, “he said.

Facebook tightened rules on acceptable content and tightened artificial intelligence and human filters after the Christchurch mosque shootings went live, but resisted calls to disable the feature, in contrast to Google-owned YouTube. , which disabled live streaming for most mobile users.

Where to get help

If it is an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Helpline for suicide crisis: 0508 828 865 (0508 SUPPORT), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787, available from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Helpline for depression: 0800 111 757, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Helpline: 1737