Kunal Sarangi, a Jharkand MLA from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, has raised concerns over National Skill Development Corporation's partnership with TikTok, flagging issues such as hate speech, alleged voter suppression and copyright issues. Sarangi, a member of the opposition in Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, voiced his concerns in a letter (see below) to Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on September 4. Sarangi is still awaiting a response from the minister, he told MediaNama. TikTok has declined to comment. NSDC had partnered with TikTok in July to "educate" its users about ongoing government-driven skill development programs and vocational training opportunities. Sarangi's concerns with TikTok Sarangi pointed out that several members of BJP, leaders of the opposition, and also Swadeshi Jagran Manch (affiliated to Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh) have raised concerns against TikTok in the past. He referred to TikTok as an organization "which is currently facing significant scrutiny in India and globally" and urged the Minister to reconsider the partnership with TikTok. Sarangi's letter listed the following concerns: FIRs against influencers: He said that various FIRs have been filed against 'TikTok influencers' such as Faisal Siddique and Ajaz Khan for spreading hate speech. Copyright issues: TikTok has claimed to "have paid for and own copyright in large volumes of videos on their platforms" he wrote, citing an Economic Times report. He said TikTok has sent other social media companies takedown notices. Sarangi was referring to TikTok's takedown notices to ShareChat, when ShareChat had written to the government saying that TikTok’s content…
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