TikToks algorithm appears to be boosting LA wildfire misinformationWritten by Olivia LittlePublished01/14/25 12:22 PM ESTTikTok has become a cesspool of conspiracy theories and misinformation aswildfires continue to devastate the Los Angeles region, and evidence suggests TikToks algorithm launched them into virality.These videos have already racked up millions of views, and the view count on each video reviewed by Media Matters far exceeds the number of followers on the respective account, suggesting that TikToksrecommendation algorithm spread the content to millions of users.One prominent conspiracy theory focuses on rapper Sean Diddy Combs, who wascharged with sex trafficking in September. Some users are baselessly claiming that the wildfires were intentionally started to cover up alleged incriminating evidence in Combs trial the conspiracy theories vary, but thats the core of it.When a user searches Diddy wildfire, the first video that returns has over5.7 million views and claims that Diddys mansion has been completely consumed by fire (its actuallyuntouched by fire, per a January 12 news report) and that the house would enter into investigation in a couple of days where many names would be involved (196 in the case) unfortunately that will no longer be possible.Another video, with over 5.3 million views, commented on the timing of the fire, suggesting that celebrities are burning the evidence ahead of Combs trial.Other users claim that the wildfires are biblical prophecies being fulfilled.The book of Revelations is unfolding before our eyes, reads overlaid text on a video with over912,000 views.Another video, with over1.3 million views, also references thebook of Revelation (in which seven angels sound seven trumpets to signal the apocalypse), claiming that the LA fire was the first trumpet.Fake images and videos (seemingly artificial intelligence-generated) of the wildfire are also racking up millions of views on TikTok, and the most popular are fake images of the Hollywood sign burning. (According to a January 13 report inArchitectural Digest, the sign is undamaged.)We Lost Hollywood Hills, reads the caption of one video with over1.2 million views.Another video, with over586,000 views, pictures fake imagery of the Hollywood sign burning with overlaid text reading, TIMELAPSE OF HOLLYWOOD SIGN CATCHING FIRE.Conspiracy theories oftenspike afternatural disasters, and the LA wildfires are no exception. TikToks algorithm appears to be amplifying unfounded conspiracy theories to millions of users, fueling panic and uncertainty at a time when clear information is critical.