TikTok is taking a giant leap forward in strengthening its platform, introducing a revised set of community guidelines that are more understandable and comprehensive. The updated set of policies covers AI (artificial intelligence), provides more detail on existing guidelines like election integrity, and adds restrictions on climate misinformation. These changes are intended to create a safer space for users to enjoy the app without worrying about their content or data being misused.
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On April 21, the newly revised guidelines will go into effect, as Shou Zi Chew – TikTok CEO – is expected to testify before Congress on March 23, in light of growing security concerns.
According to TikTok’s new guidelines, any visuals generated using artificial intelligence must be identified with a caption such as “synthetic,” “fake,” or “not real.” While the company recognizes the creative potential of AI, it’s essential for users to understand when an image has been modified in order to avoid potential risks.
TikTok defines synthetic media as content that has been generated or adapted by artificial intelligence technology, including “highly realistic” digital copies of real people.
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Through this policy, TikTok is restating that videos containing synthetic media will require clear labeling to inform viewers about the manipulation. Additionally, any heavily edited material that could mislead its audience about real-world events will also not be accepted.
The new AI regulations go beyond TikTok's current protocol regarding the technology, which simply states that it is strictly prohibited to manipulate or alter media that misleads users, alters reality, and causes serious harm to the subject of the video, other individuals, or society.
The need for updated policies around AI is driven by the growing demand for products like DALL-E 2 and ChatGPT. Disinformation experts have warned us about the potential dangers of AI, so it’s no surprise that TikTok has now chosen to introduce more specific regulations around AI.
TikTok has taken a major step toward combating climate misinformation with the addition of a new policy. This updated rule states that posts that deny or discredit established scientific evidence about climate change, such as its existence and the factors that influence it, will not be allowed. While discussions around certain political or personal beliefs about weather events can still take place, they must remain consistent with the current scientifically supported consensus on global warming to avoid removal from the platform .
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Last year’s report revealed that when people searched for “climate change” on the app, TikTok was showing results related to climate science denial. The organization is now introducing a policy in response to this discovery, aiming to inform users by curating accurate information on the topic.
Information source: techcrunch.com
