TikTok
In the 2025 SMSI Platform Scorecard, TikTok receives a score of 56. Out of all of the platforms evaluated in this year’s Platform Scorecard, TikTok’s hate and harassment policies provide the most comprehensive protections for LGBTQ people. TikTok also clearly states that public figures are protected under its Community Guidelines. Of the scored platforms, TikTok continues to be one of only two with a policy expressly prohibiting both targeted misgendering and deadnaming. According to its “Inclusion and Belonging Guide,” TikTok also prohibits the promotion of dangerous “conversion therapy” content, and has several public-facing policies that explain how it enforces this policy.
However, the platform continues to fall short of sufficiently protecting LGBTQ privacy, safety, and expression in other key areas. TikTok should show greater transparency around the wrongful removal and demonetization of LGBTQ-related content and accounts, and clearly explain the steps it takes to address such actions. As recommended to other platforms, the company should also publish corresponding data that sheds light on these processes and protocols.
TikTok is more forthcoming than its peers about its engagement with LGBTQ organizations and other key stakeholders, but does not sufficiently explain whether it receives input on key issues such as content promoting “conversion therapy,” and the wrongful removal and demonetization of LGBTQ-related content and creators. The company’s policies should provide more details on the specific issue areas it receives guidance on, and explain whether meetings with key stakeholders take place at least once per year.
Although it states a public commitment to diversifying its workforce, TikTok is the only platform besides X that does not publish any data on its LGBTQ employees. TikTok should track and publish annual data showing its progress toward reaching diversity and inclusion goals, including publishing voluntarily disclosed data on the number of LGBTQ employees across different US-based teams.
