TikTok is introducing a fresh option that allows them to cut down on the amount of AI-created content appearing in their streams. This step comes as the service announced that it now features over 1 bn AI videos.
Pilot Phase and Launch
The new functionality is in a pilot phase over the following weeks before a global release. This shift comes amid a increase in AI-generated material, driven by emerging content generation software.
The Broader AI Trend
Studies have shown that approximately a tenth of the fastest-growing content creators on a competing service exclusively feature AI-generated videos. A considerable share of this material is classified as mass-produced AI material, a label for inferior, factory-style content that is often absurd or dreamlike.
Our research shows that many people like content made with AI tools, from AI artwork to educational videos, and we intend to offer the community the ability to see more or less of that, based on their own choices,” stated a company executive.
AI on the Platform
TikTok announced that there are currently 1.3 billion videos on its network identified as artificially created. Overall, over 100 mn media items are added to the app daily, making AI content a relatively small portion of its complete catalog.
User Control Features
Viewers will be in a position to reduce or increase the amount of artificial media they watch by opening the “manage topic” setting in the platform and picking the AI content topic. Other topics that can already be controlled under the setting include news, style, beauty, and choreography.
Content Labeling and Policies
TikTok’s rules mandate content makers to identify lifelike AI-generated content, and it prohibits harmful fake videos of well-known individuals or emergencies. Any authentic-looking AI video that is not labeled can be taken down under its user guidelines.
Furthermore, the service will from now on apply an “AI-made” tag to content made using its proprietary AI systems, or identified by an collaborative effort for spotting content made by AI. This action is designed to help prevent users from seeking to circumvent the disclosure requirement.
Educational Initiatives
The company is additionally launching a $2 million AI literacy fund for experts and organizations to develop educational content about ethical AI use. This initiative will benefit educational bodies specializing in educating coding and technology.
Moderation Strategy
TikTok has justified its content review process, following controversy over plans to lay off hundreds of content moderators in the United Kingdom. TikTok is expected to eliminate hundreds of positions in its user protection department in the UK capital, with trade unions and online safety experts voicing alarm that humans are being replaced by automated systems.
A senior executive stated that people-led review would continue to be important, but artificial intelligence can shield workers by removing the most distressing content ahead of it has to be seen by humans. TikTok reported a 76% decrease in shocking and graphic content reviewed by safety staff over the last 12 months due to the use of its automated systems.
We believe it is crucial to balance staff and AI to keep the platform safe,” the official commented. “We’ll have staff as integral to the approach, but we additionally believe it’s very important to limit contact with unsafe media as rapidly, which is where a significant AI assistance is making a difference process content quickly.”
