Dangerous Speech Alert: TikTok Posts Urge Attack on U.S. Embassy in Banjul
Calling for the bombing of an embassy is not only illegal under international law, it is also a serious form of dangerous speech that can incite real-world violence. Such statements, even when shared online or framed as jokes, pose significant security risks and should be treated with utmost seriousness.
Malagen’s media monitoring came across two TikTok videos calling for the bombing of the United States Embassy in Banjul, raising serious concerns about dangerous speech and potential incitement to violence.
One of the videos explicitly urges an attack on the embassy, including a message directed at Iran:
“Hello Iran, this is the US embassy located in The Gambia, in Banjul. Please check the map and bomb the embassy for us.”
Malagen’s Findings
Monitoring of TikTok shows that two separate accounts have posted content explicitly calling for the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Banjul. One of these posts has already been shared more than 300 times and has received over 1,000 likes.
This high level of engagement increases the post’s visibility, meaning that more users are likely to see it, share it, and potentially be influenced by its message.
Verification of Location
Malagen’s media monitoring confirmed that the building shown in the video is indeed the U.S. Embassy office in Banjul. The video shows the embassy alongside the Gambian flag and official signage typical of a U.S. diplomatic mission.
Why This Matters
Calls for violence against embassies or other diplomatic missions are considered serious forms of dangerous speech. Under international law, diplomatic premises are protected sites. Online content that encourages attacks even if framed as jokes, memes, or political commentary can contribute to real-world security risks, especially when widely shared.
Potential Risks
- Posts promoting violent acts can normalize threats and increase the likelihood of real-world harm.
- Viral content can spread rapidly across borders, amplifying misinformation and dangerous rhetoric.
- Even if only a small number of users act on these messages, the potential consequences can be severe.
Second TikTok Video Advocating Attack on Embassy
Platform Policies
Most major social media platforms, including TikTok, prohibit content that encourages violence against individuals, institutions, or locations. Posts advocating attacks against embassies typically violate platform rules on:
- Violent threats
- Incitement to harm
- Promotion of attacks against protected locations
The circulation of these TikTok posts highlights the growing challenge of dangerous speech online. Effective monitoring, timely intervention, and awareness of platform policies are essential to prevent online rhetoric from translating into real-world harm.
