TikTok's Challenge with Extremist Nasheeds

Nasheeds, a form of Islamic vocal music, are prevalent across the Islamic world and are not inherently linked to any specific ideology. However, certain nasheeds have been composed in support of extremist groups like the Islamic State (IS). A notable example has emerged on TikTok, where a nasheed associated with IS has been used in 439 videos, allowing users to connect with similar content while circumventing text-based moderation methods. The TikTok platform has seen various IS nasheeds gain traction, including a popular edit of "Dawlati Baqiyah," which was widely used until it was removed by the platform. Another nasheed from Ajnad Media Foundation, released in 2013, has been linked to over 14,300 videos, with lyrics that glorify IS fighters and their actions. This trend raises concerns about the potential for unsuspecting users to inadvertently engage with extremist propaganda simply by clicking on these audio tracks. Experts like Ms. Criezis highlight that regardless of the intent behind individual posts, the use of such audio can lead users to authentic extremist content. For IS supporters, the reposting of pro-IS nasheeds by unaware users represents a significant victory in their propaganda efforts. Social media platforms like TikTok face an "uphill battle" in censoring this type of content, as IS supporters have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to censorship measures, complicating efforts to maintain a safe online environment.