TikTok Removes Soroka Hospital Footage from October 7th Attack

TikTok has removed a promotional video from the Israeli public broadcaster Kan's investigative program "Zman Emet" that featured footage from Soroka Hospital on October 7, 2023. The video, which had garnered significant views, was reportedly removed for violating TikTok's policies against "misinformation."

The deleted clip was promoting an upcoming episode of "Zman Emet - Sneh" (Change), which was set to air previously unseen surveillance camera recordings from the hospital during the first day of the war. The footage depicted the arrival of hundreds of wounded individuals from attacked communities and military bases, as well as civilians arriving to check on loved ones. It also showed the transport of severely injured patients to the emergency room.

Journalist Roni Singer received a notification from TikTok stating the video was removed for violating community guidelines on misinformation, specifically citing the platform's prohibition of spreading "misinformation that may cause significant harm to individuals or society," including false information about crises or major civic events.

Kan criticized TikTok's decision, highlighting that the authentic hospital recordings were classified as misinformation. The broadcaster has appealed to TikTok's representatives in Israel to reconsider the removal. As of the report's publication, TikTok had not yet responded to Kan.

The "Zman Emet" episode aims to revisit the initial hours of the October 7th attack through events at the hospital, where over 670 wounded individuals received treatment that day. The program also includes testimonies from victims, families of the deceased, and medical staff.