TikTok's Economic Contribution Sparks Skepticism in NZ

A recent report by Infometrics, commissioned by TikTok, claims that the social media platform contributes $1.2 billion to New Zealand's economy and supports over 9,700 jobs.

The figure has sparked skepticism among experts, including Professor Thomas Lumley from Auckland University's Faculty of Science, who questions whether the numbers accurately measure what they claim to.

Lumley argues that most of the $1.2 billion is not new money but rather existing funds being spent in a different way due to TikTok's influence.

Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen counters that the report's methodology has been transparent, and no one has disputed its accuracy.