TikTok is introducing a new feature that enables them to cut down on the amount of AI-made content appearing in their streams. This move comes as the company disclosed that it currently hosts more than 1 bn AI videos.
Testing and Rollout
The new functionality is undergoing trials over the next few weeks before a global rollout. This development aligns with a surge in AI content, driven by new AI video creators.
AI Proliferation Online
Studies have shown that nearly a tenth of the most rapidly expanding video streams on a competing service only show AI-generated videos. A large amount of this material is deemed low-quality AI content, a label for inferior, factory-style content that is typically absurd or bizarre.
Our research shows that many people like content produced via AI tools, including digital art to science explainers, and we aim to give people the ability to see more or less of that, depending on their own preferences,” commented a company executive.
AI on the Platform
The platform announced that there are now 1.3 billion videos on its service tagged as artificially created. In total, in excess of 100 million media items are submitted to the app daily, making AI-generated material a relatively small part of its complete catalog.
How to Adjust Settings
Viewers will be capable of limit or boost the amount of AI content they view by using the content preference feature in the platform and choosing the AI content topic. Other topics that are already be controlled under the filter include current affairs, fashion, beauty, and choreography.
Platform Guidelines
Its guidelines require creators to label “realistic” AI-generated content, and it forbids dangerous fake videos of well-known individuals or critical incidents. Any authentic-looking AI video that is without a tag can be taken down under its user guidelines.
Additionally, the platform will from now on add an artificially created watermark to content made using its proprietary AI systems, or identified by an collaborative effort for spotting content made by AI. This measure is intended to deter users from seeking to bypass the disclosure requirement.
Educational Initiatives
The company is furthermore launching a $2m awareness program for experts and organizations to produce informative material about using AI responsibly. This program will support charitable organizations focused on educating computer science.
Moderation Strategy
TikTok has defended its moderation strategy, during controversy over intentions to lay off hundreds of content moderators in the UK. It is expected to cut hundreds of positions in its user protection team in London, with worker representatives and internet security professionals voicing alarm that humans are being replaced by AI moderation.
A company official explained that staff-based oversight would remain essential, but artificial intelligence can safeguard staff by filtering out the most distressing content prior to it gets reviewed by humans. TikTok stated a significant reduction in disturbing and violent content seen by safety staff over the past year due to reliance on its AI tools.
“We think that it’s essential to combine humans and technology to ensure user safety,” the executive stated. “We’ll have staff as involved in the system, but we further consider it’s highly necessary to reduce exposure to harmful content as swiftly, which is where a significant AI assistance is really helping us operate efficiently.”
