Google has removed millions of negative TikTok reviews from its Play Store after the app’s rating fell from 4.5 to 1.2 stars overnight.
TikTok was flooded with a one-star review after an Indian creator posted a spoof video of an acid attack.
The perpetrator, Faizal Siddiqui has since apologized and TikTok has deleted copies of his clip.
But Google intervened after it determined that critics had set up fake accounts to amplify their protests.
Although the move had limited effect, TikTok’s rating remains below two stars on the official Android marketplace.
The video in question had appeared to show Mr. Siddiqui threatening a woman who had decided to leave him.
In the clip, he threw liquid at the woman’s face. It was water, but the next scene showed the woman’s face covered in make-up that resembled the scars and bruising that acid might cause.
A TikTok spokesman said, “As per the policy, we do not allow content that risks the safety of others, promotes physical harm, or glorifies violence against women.
“The behavior in question violates our guidelines and we have taken down content, suspended the account, and are working with law enforcement agencies as appropriate.”
Mr. Siddiqui later said: “As a social media influencer, I realise my responsibility and apologise to anyone who was offended by the video.”
After TikTok became embroiled in the backlash, Google removed more than 5 million of its recent one-star reviews but left many others active.
A spokesman for Google said it had taken “corrective action”.
“When we learn of incidents of spam abuse, we review and take corrective action to remove inappropriate ratings and comments,” he added.
