Many celebrities, content creators, and influencers have flocked to the now highly-popularized social media platform TikTok, but according to an in-depth report obtained by The Intercept, the app's moderators have been censoring videos by users deemed too "ugly, poor, or disabled." The publication revealed that the platform's moderators are suppressing content from it's physically unappealing, financially-challenged, and disabled participants in order to attract more users to TikTok. Unfortunately, the method has been partially the reason why the app has been so successful as TikTok utilizes coveted influencers and challenges for their platform racking up over 1.5 billion users and achieving approximately 614 million app downloads this year alone, according to MediaKix. 

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Recently, CEO, Steve Huffman, dubbed the China-based app as "parasitic," after witnessing a steep increase in interest of the app while singer/songwriter Lizzo has feuded with the platform after the removal and replacement of her bathing suit video content. 

One particular note in the exposed moderator documentation states that the officials should 'hide' content featuring "rural poverty, slums, beer bellies, and crooked smiles." A 'modesty code' instilled within the company has also led to the removal of content featuring bikini or swimming suits "outside of a beach or swimming occasion." With the app's handlers based in China, political censorship has been adamant as the moderator docs to ban users who "harmed 'national honor.'" While political content has been able to find its way onto the platform from time to time, anything in regards to political propaganda will and has been removed especially content critical of the Communist Party of China. 

A TikTok spokesperson revealed that 'most of' the exposed guideline documents are "either no longer in use, or in some cases appear to never have been in place."

TikTok has been a major benefit for musicians with challenges like K Camp's #RenegadeChallenge and Drake's #FlipTheSwitchChallenge taking over the platform and adding to their streaming numbers. While challenges like the #SkullBreakerChallenge have guided the youth down the wrong path and led to legal disputes throughout several different communities.

Hopefully, TikTok's discriminatory practices are no longer in effect and people from all types of different backgrounds get the exposure they deserve for their content. Check out the official TikTok moderation documentation in the Twitter post provided below. 

Over the past half-decade, social media challenges have enriched the internet with hilarious and follow-worthy content. From the #BottleCapChallenge to the #FaceAppChallenge to the #DMXChallenge, patrons everywhere have been able to show off their skills and flex their creative muscles. Now, a new challenge started by legendary country singer/songwriter, Dolly Parton, featuring four different profile pictures including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Tinder has taken off and Janet Jackson has decided to participate. 

In a photo posted earlier this week, the “9 to 5” singer unknowingly started a trend that has since then gone viral. Some celebrity participates include the likes of Ellen Degeneres, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Garner, and more. Parton’s photo captioned, “Get you a woman who can do it all,” features the Grammy Award-winning musician dressed in a formal black and white checkered blazer, a personalized Christmas sweater, a denim shirt and matching jeans, and lastly the classic Playboy Bunny costume. 

Janet Jackson’s rendition of the profile picture challenge took things to the next level as the “Anytime, Anyplace” singer posted her photo on her Instagram this past Thursday (Jan. 24). 

“The Control” performer post featured Jackson in a professional collared shirt and grey cardigan, posing with crying fans, presenting awards, and lastly topless wearing nothing but a seashell necklace and a bikini bottom for her ‘imaginary’ Tinder profile picture. 

It’s hard to believe that the now 53-year-old musician/actress became a mother for the first time just three years ago. Coming off of her 30th Year Anniversary Rhythm Nation Tour last year, Ms. Jackson still has the ability to entertain and the charm to collective turn heads across the internet. 

Check out Janet Jackson’s #DollyPartonChallenge photo in the IG pic posted below.