Voices Under Threat in the TikTok Era

TikTok has faced ongoing attempts by Western powers to censor the news shared by citizens globally on this influential social media platform. Countries such as the United States, Afghanistan, Jordan, and Egypt have expressed concerns about the app’s potential to incite social unrest, with some even pursuing outright bans. These actions are driven by worries over data privacy, national security, and the potential for misinformation. Governments argue that the Chinese company ByteDance could be exploited for espionage. Such claims highlight the influence on public discourse, especially regarding political content.

Recent allegations against German executive Tobias Henning, who was in charge of Operations for Central Eastern Europe and Israel, reveal a toxic work environment, with accusations of excessive working hours, unscheduled travel, and verbal abuse, as well as misogyny and sexual harassment. Those coming forward with these claims did so anonymously, fearing retribution from Henning and his connections. While we have long been led to believe that the app operates solely on its algorithm, events like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have exposed a stark divide between what world powers wish their citizens to know and what information remains accessible in an open forum. Governments now find themselves in an unprecedented position to control the narrative. Creators who address these sensitive topics often see their content deprioritized, with their accounts intentionally excluded from the “For You” page. Research indicates that a more substantial effort is underway to manipulate the online narrative, and TikTok is no exception.

Tobias Henning, not only a TikTok executive for Germany but also an Israeli, served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and previously worked with the American Jewish community. His experiences in Israel, particularly his time in the IDF, provided him with leadership skills and a nuanced understanding of national security issues, which later influenced his approach to content moderation and community engagement. Henning has worked with notable Israeli companies, including Walla!, a major news portal, where he honed his skills in digital media and content management. This publication is known to lean toward a Zionist viewpoint. Additionally, Henning’s tenure with Intel in Israel exposed him to cutting-edge technology.

In 2022, he led a series of seminars aimed at combating antisemitism and addressing Holocaust denial on the platform. During these sessions, Henning stated, “We are seeing young users actively engage with the subject of the Shoah on platforms like TikTok, making it an increasingly important aspect of our social and political life. However, there is often a lack of positive examples and content that reflects the extensive expertise of professionals in the field while still ‘speaking the language’ of TikTok. Our initiative aims to bridge that gap. For us, memorial sites and museums are crucial ‘influencers.’ They not only enhance visibility for the subject but also engage in dialogue with those who wish to learn more about the Shoah, individual biographies, and historical locations. This will hopefully shape how the topic is treated, just as successful accounts of Shoah survivors like Lily Ebert, Tova Friedman, and Gidon Lev have done.” This initiative is known as the TikTok – Shoah Education and Commemoration Initiative.

The challenge lies in the ever-evolving definition of antisemitism. Since the end of World War II, Zionists have sought to closely intertwine Judaism and Zionism. Founded by Theodor Herzl in 1897, Zionism is a political movement aimed at establishing a homeland for the Jewish people, addressing what was referred to as the “Jewish problem.” This perspective was echoed by both Herzl and Adolf Hitler. Zionists considered various locations for settlement, including Uganda, Argentina, Cyprus, Siberia, and Alaska, even establishing Jewish colonies in these areas with support from the Jewish Colonization Association and the Jewish National Fund. Herzl believed that the Jewish people were God’s chosen people, capable of managing world affairs.

As a result of this intertwining of Zionism and antisemitism, Israeli politicians have sought to incorporate discussions about Zionism and its political implications into the definition of antisemitism. Notably, in 1975, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 3379, which declared that “Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination.” This resolution sparked significant controversy and backlash, particularly from Western nations. In the years that followed, the United States played a key role in efforts to overturn this ruling, solidifying the connection between Zionism and Judaism and reinforcing the notion that the two are inextricably linked.

TikTok adheres to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism on its platform. This definition describes antisemitism as a perception of Jews that can manifest as hatred, encompassing both rhetorical and physical acts directed against Jewish individuals, their property, or community institutions. It also provides specific examples related to Israel, including the denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination, the application of double standards to Israel that are not imposed on other democratic nations, and the use of classic antisemitic imagery or stereotypes to portray Israel or Israelis.

Many Jews from the diaspora argue that conflating Zionism with antisemitism undermines legitimate discourse and stifles free speech. Labeling all criticism of Israel as antisemitic oversimplifies a complex landscape where numerous advocates champion Palestinian rights or oppose specific Israeli policies out of genuine concern for human rights rather than prejudice.

This tendency creates a chilling effect on activism; individuals often fear being labeled as antisemitic for merely expressing dissenting views. The Jewish community itself is not monolithic; it encompasses a wide range of perspectives on Zionism. Many individuals critique specific Israeli policies while firmly rejecting any antisemitic beliefs. As scholar Judith Butler notes, “Critique is not the same as condemnation; it is a form of engagement that seeks to articulate the complexities of justice.” Questioning and critical discourse are fundamental principles within Judaism, as the Talmud emphasizes, “Whoever saves a life saves the entire world.” TikTok, which once served as a space for free thinkers to engage in diverse conversations, is now stifling Jewish voices that diverge from the mainstream Zionist narrative.

Countries worldwide contend with criticisms of their policies and global perceptions, but Zionist leader Natan Sharansky has actively championed the view that challenges to the legitimacy of the Jewish state should be regarded as antisemitism. Despite this stance, many within the Jewish community argue that certain actions in Palestine and the foundational tenets of Zionism may not reflect the core values of Judaism. They contend that such framing risks diluting the term “antisemitism” and undermines genuine discussions about Jewish identity, human rights, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Paired with the reportedly intolerable working conditions and the alleged toxic environment under Tobias Henning, his TikTok Shoah Education and Commemoration Initiative has drawn scrutiny. Critics question the potential conflicts of interest tied to the initiative’s partnerships with organizations aligned with Zionist perspectives, including Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, as well as collaborations with Facing History and Ourselves and the Claims Conference. Each of these organizations has political ties to the Zionist movement or the Israeli government, raising concerns about their objectivity.

Henning has also been in discussions with other TikTok executives about moving their European offices to Israel, hoping to leverage Israel’s advanced tech ecosystem and gain greater reach within Zionist communities. However, other executives worry this move could alienate non-Zionist supporters and those who back Palestine.

Beyond Tobias Henning, TikTok has undergone significant management shakeups over the past year, aimed at strengthening local strategies and addressing increasing regulatory challenges. Notably, Vanessa Pappas, the former COO, was succeeded by Zenia Mucha, who has a personal connection to Holocaust history; her mother was a survivor of Auschwitz. Mucha emphasizes the importance of teaching “proper” Holocaust history, stating in a recent interview, “Understanding the past is crucial to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.”

In addition to this leadership transition, TikTok has appointed new executives focused on content moderation and combating misinformation. This move responds to growing concerns about the platform’s role in disseminating false information and harmful content. However, it raises critical questions: what exactly is deemed misinformation, and who has the authority to define it?

The complexities of these decisions become even more pronounced when considering the intersection of ethnic identity and political discourse. As various groups advocate for their rights, the line between protecting an ethnic community and serving the interests of a political party can blur, leading to a contentious debate about freedom of speech and the boundaries of political expression. As journalist Jon Allsop notes, “The challenge lies in striking a balance between protecting vulnerable communities and upholding the principles of free expression.”

These changes at TikTok highlight not only the platform’s attempts to navigate regulatory landscapes but also the broader societal implications of content moderation in a rapidly changing digital world.

TikTok finds itself at a pivotal juncture, wrestling with the dual challenges of censorship and the quest for genuine dialogue in an increasingly fragmented society. As governments ramp up efforts to regulate the platform—fuelled by anxieties over misinformation and the potential for social unrest—the stakes for open conversation have never been higher. Allegations against Tobias Henning and the scrutiny surrounding initiatives like the Shoah Education and Commemoration Initiative reveal the fine line between organizational integrity and political connections, raising essential questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Henning’s conversations about moving TikTok’s European offices to Israel only deepen these complexities, linking the platform to a politically charged tech landscape. Such ties can spark concerns about surveillance, data privacy, and the ethics of partnering with organizations tied to the Israeli government, prompting questions about how these relationships might shape TikTok’s content moderation policies and its capacity for impartiality on sensitive issues.

As TikTok undergoes leadership changes and enhances its approach to content moderation, the repercussions of these choices resonate with its diverse user base. The fear of being labeled antisemitic for voicing dissent creates an atmosphere where critical discussions struggle to flourish. The intricate relationship between Zionism and antisemitism adds layers to conversations about Jewish identity and human rights, complicating the already murky waters of free expression.

Ultimately, TikTok’s trajectory mirrors broader societal tensions surrounding narrative control and the protection of marginalized voices. To truly embody a platform for free thought, it must disentangle itself from political narratives and affiliations, fostering a genuine sense of impartiality. By welcoming a broad spectrum of perspectives while steering clear of political entanglements, TikTok can reclaim its role as a dynamic space for advocacy and creativity. Only then can it honor the spirit of open dialogue that once positioned it as a powerful catalyst for change in our interconnected world.