TikTok is introducing a updated setting that permits them to lessen the amount of artificial intelligence-produced media appearing in their timelines. This move comes as the platform disclosed that it currently hosts over 1 bn AI-generated clips.
Pilot Phase and Launch
The new functionality is being tested over the coming weeks before a widespread launch. This development coincides with a increase in content created by AI, driven by recent content generation software.
AI Proliferation Online
Recent reports that approximately 10% of the fastest-growing channels on a competing service only show content made by AI. A large amount of this content is deemed “AI slop”, a label for substandard, factory-style content that is often illogical or bizarre.
Based on user feedback that numerous viewers appreciate content made with AI tools, from digital art to science explainers, and we aim to offer the community the power to adjust the amount of that, based on their own preferences,” said a company executive.
AI on the Platform
TikTok disclosed that there are now 1.3 billion videos on its service tagged as AI-generated. Overall, in excess of 100 m media items are uploaded to the app each day, making clips made by AI a limited percentage of its complete catalog.
User Control Features
Users will be in a position to decrease or raise the amount of AI content they watch by opening the “manage topic” setting in the platform and picking “AI-generated content”. Further subjects that are already be adjusted under the setting cover current affairs, fashion, aesthetics, and dance.
Content Labeling and Policies
The platform’s guidelines require creators to tag convincing artificially created content, and it prohibits dangerous AI impersonations of public figures or critical incidents. Any realistic artificial content that is unmarked can be taken down under its terms of service.
Additionally, the service will from now on apply an AI-generated watermark to content made using its proprietary AI systems, or identified by an collaborative effort for identifying content made by AI. This measure is aimed to help prevent users from trying to evade the labeling process.
AI Literacy Programs
TikTok is also launching a two million dollar awareness program for experts and organizations to create learning resources about ethical AI use. This initiative will assist non-profit groups focused on teaching computer science.
Platform Protection
The video-sharing app has defended its moderation strategy, amid discussion over intentions to lay off hundreds of content moderators in the United Kingdom. TikTok is set to cut 439 jobs in its trust and safety division in its British office, with trade unions and online safety experts raising concerns that staff are being displaced by automated systems.
A trust and safety lead clarified that staff-based oversight would remain essential, but artificial intelligence can safeguard staff by removing the most distressing content before it gets reviewed by humans. The company stated a notable drop in disturbing and violent content handled by content reviewers over the past year due to intervention by its AI tools.
It is vital to combine people and machines to maintain a secure environment,” she said. “We’ll have humans as involved in the system, but we further consider it’s very important to minimize viewing of dangerous material as rapidly, which is where a lot of the machine support is making a difference process content quickly.”
