TikTok is introducing a updated setting that permits them to cut down on the volume of AI-created content appearing in their streams. This move comes as the service disclosed that it presently contains more than 1 billion content made with AI.
Testing and Rollout
The update is being tested over the next few weeks before a widespread release. This shift comes amid a surge in content created by AI, spurred by new video-generation tools.
AI Proliferation Online
Studies have shown that nearly one in 10 of the fastest-growing content creators on a popular video site primarily display content made by AI. A significant portion of this content is classified as “AI slop”, a phrase for poor-quality, factory-style content that is often absurd or surreal.
“We know from our community that numerous viewers enjoy content made with AI tools, from AI artwork to science explainers, and we want to give people the ability to see more or less of that, depending on their own choices,” said a company executive.
Scale of AI Content
TikTok disclosed that there are now 1.3bn videos on its network labeled as made with AI. Overall, more than 100 mn media items are uploaded to the app daily, making clips made by AI a minor portion of its total content library.
User Control Features
Viewers will be in a position to reduce or increase the level of AI-generated videos they view by using the topic control setting in the app and choosing “AI-generated content”. Further subjects that are already be modified under the filter encompass news, clothing, beauty, and movement.
AI Disclosure Rules
TikTok’s rules require content makers to identify lifelike AI-generated content, and it bans malicious AI impersonations of public figures or emergencies. Any believable AI video that is unmarked can be taken down under its terms of service.
Furthermore, the platform will henceforth add an AI-generated tag to content created with its proprietary AI systems, or detected by an industry-wide initiative for spotting artificial media. This step is aimed to stop users from seeking to bypass the tagging system.
Responsible AI Funding
TikTok is furthermore introducing a $2m AI literacy fund for professionals and organizations to create informative material about ethical AI use. This program will benefit educational bodies focused on teaching computer science.
Content Safety Approach
TikTok has supported its content review process, following debate over intentions to cut jobs for hundreds of review team members in Britain. It is planning to reduce a significant number of roles in its content moderation division in London, with labor groups and internet security professionals voicing alarm that staff are being displaced by machine-led review.
A senior executive explained that staff-based oversight would still have a role, but automated tools can shield workers by eliminating the most distressing content before it gets reviewed by humans. The company reported a 76% decrease in disturbing and violent content reviewed by human moderators over the last 12 months due to the use of its AI tools.
“We think that it’s essential to balance people and machines to maintain a secure environment,” she said. “We’ll have people as involved in the system, but we also think it’s extremely critical to minimize viewing of unsafe media as swiftly, which is the area in which a significant AI assistance is proving valuable work at speed.”
