A new report by Global Witness reveals that TikTok failed to adequately moderate climate misinformation in comments during the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan.

The NGO analyzed comments on videos posted by major U.K. media outlets, including the BBC and ITV, which collectively reached over three million viewers.

Global Witness identified comments denying climate change, calling it a “hoax” and “made-up lie,” despite TikTok’s stated policy prohibiting climate misinformation. Of 20 reported comments flagged as violations, TikTok moderators allowed 19 to remain. The platform only acted after the findings were shared with its press office.

TikTok introduced its climate misinformation policy before COP28, pledging to remove content undermining scientific consensus on climate change. Yet, Global Witness claims enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly as TikTok increasingly relies on automated moderation while scaling back its human moderation team.

Ellen Judson, the investigator behind the report, acknowledged TikTok’s efforts but criticized its execution.

“TikTok should be commended for its policy, but action is lacking,” she said. The NGO argues that comment sections—read by 77% of TikTok users—play a critical role in shaping opinions.

TikTok has faced repeated criticism for its handling of climate misinformation.

A June 2023 BBC investigation found that the platform removed only 5% of flagged content breaching its guidelines. TikTok did not respond to requests for comment on the latest findings.

Judson called for greater transparency and accountability from social media platforms. “Public understanding of moderation failures and the steps taken to address them is crucial,” she added.