U.K. TikTok Creators Initiate Blackout in Response to Platform's Association with Convicted Creator

In a collective stand against TikTok's promotional practices, a group of U.K. creators have declared a blackout on the platform to protest TikTok's past relationship with a creator convicted of rape. The blackout involves creators turning off 'gifting' features and abstaining from 'battles', a practice where TikTok garners a 50% commission from funds sent by fans to creators. This action aims to impact TikTok's revenue as participants express their discontent over the platform’s handling of serious misconduct by its creators.

Details of the TikTok Blackout Movement

Originating in the U.K., the blackout is driven by more than 100 content creators who have expressed their intentions to disengage from revenue-generating activities on TikTok. These creators plan to start the protest on a Sunday yet, some have initiated their participation early. The campaign's primary objective, as stated by a supporter, Bonnie Stuart, is to 'hit TikTok where it hurts'—financially. By imposing a cessation on activities that funnel profits to TikTok, these creators are attempting to pressurize the company into implementing stringent checks and verifications, including criminal background checks for its content creators.

The Controversy Surrounding TikTok's Promoted Creator

The blackout stems from the conviction of Anthony Ekpenyong, also known on TikTok as Anthony Q. Lion, in a rape case. Despite having a history of promotion by TikTok and holding the platform's 'Live Pro' badge, Ekpenyong was ultimately sentenced to seven years in prison. This incident raised severe concerns among the TikTok community about the background and behavior of promoted creators.

Additionally, platforms generally show hesitation to sanction users based on off-platform behavior, with previous instances such as Spotify's brief, controversial content policy regarding artist conduct. It's noteworthy that while Ekpenyong's profiles remain on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, TikTok has removed him from their creator program and his 'Live Pro' status has been revoked following his conviction.

Impact and Response to the Blackout

Although the blackout is currently limited in scope, being restricted to creators in the U.K., it emphasizes the importance of content creator satisfaction on TikTok. The platform relies on live streaming as a significant source of revenue and sees it as a strong support for its ecommerce ventures. Following the incident, TikTok has been directly engaging with concerned creators, showing a response to the community's call for action.

As part of TikTok's policy, the company asserts to ban accounts of creators convicted of serious offenses. TikTok spokesperson Ariane de Selliers stressed that the company moved promptly to disassociate from Ekpenyong upon learning of his conviction, highlighting the steps taken to address the matter.

TikTok, blackout, conviction