Xi Jinping looks at Chinese flag with stars replaced by TikTok logos

Git Corzo/Shutterstock (Licensed) Remix by Jason Reed

TikTokers are using ‘I Love China’ to get around bans—and on the For You page

TikTok users are risking it all for the For You page.

 

Audra Schroeder

Internet Culture

Posted on Jul 22, 2020   Updated on Jul 22, 2020, 12:07 pm CDT

As Trump continues getting trolled by TikTok, a potential ban still looms. But users have found a way to potentially stay safe on the Chinese-owned app.

As detailed by Stay Hipp, TikTok users are employing the #ILoveChina tag and audio of the Chinese National Anthem to help them get on the For You page, or get around shadowbans. Know Your Meme points to one of the earlier (satirical) uses in April, when one woman claimed she’d been shadowbanned, then declared her love for China and President Xi Jinping. That led to other videos using a similar tactic.

@puckbunny69xd

please get me un shadow banned, i’ve also been banned from the app multiple times for NO reason, love u Xi Jinping, xoxo -jess

♬ Chinese Anthem – March of the Volunteers, Hymne National Chinois, Himno Nacional, Chinesische Nationalhymne, 义勇军进行曲 – National Anthem China

But the content has gotten a little more avant garde, as users also try to reach the FYP or test out TikTok’s algorithm.

https://www.tiktok.com/@coochiesoup666/video/6831542378973744390

It’s not clear if these declarations have actually helped users. While sucking up to China to get on the FYP might seem excessive, TikTok and ByteDance, its parent company, have been accused of censoring certain material and creators, while being more lenient with content that could actually harm users. It’s also faced scrutiny (and lawsuits) for allegedly collecting user data.

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*First Published: Jul 22, 2020, 12:06 pm CDT