TikTok is introducing a updated setting that enables them to lessen the amount of AI-created media appearing in their feeds. This initiative comes as the service revealed that it now features over 1 thousand million AI-generated clips.
Testing and Rollout
The update is in a pilot phase over the following weeks before a widespread launch. This development comes amid a increase in AI-generated material, fueled by emerging content generation software.
The Broader AI Trend
Studies have shown that almost a tenth of the fastest-growing content creators on a popular video site exclusively feature AI-generated videos. A significant portion of this material is considered “AI slop”, a phrase for inferior, bulk-generated content that is typically nonsensical or dreamlike.
Based on user feedback that a lot of users like content made with AI tools, from computer-generated images to informative clips, and we aim to offer the community the option to see more or less of that, according to their own likes,” stated a company executive.
Volume and Proportions
The service disclosed that there are now over a billion videos on its service labeled as artificially created. In total, over 100 million media items are uploaded to the service each day, making AI-generated material a limited percentage of its total content library.
Customizing Your Feed
Members will be able to reduce or increase the amount of artificial media they watch by using the content preference option in the app and picking “AI-generated content”. Further subjects that currently be controlled under the setting include news, style, aesthetics, and dance.
Content Labeling and Policies
The platform’s rules mandate content makers to label “realistic” artificially created content, and it prohibits harmful fake videos of well-known individuals or crisis events. Any realistic AI-generated clip that is not labeled can be removed under its user guidelines.
Furthermore, the platform will from now on apply an “AI-made” tag to content produced via its built-in AI features, or detected by an industry-wide initiative for identifying AI-generated material. This action is designed to stop users from seeking to evade the tagging system.
Responsible AI Funding
TikTok is also introducing a $2m AI literacy fund for experts and institutions to produce informative material about ethical AI use. This initiative will support educational bodies dedicated to teaching coding and technology.
Moderation Strategy
TikTok has justified its safety measures, during controversy over proposals to lay off a large number of review team members in the United Kingdom. The company is planning to cut 439 jobs in its trust and safety division in its British office, with worker representatives and digital protection specialists voicing alarm that people are being substituted by automated systems.
A senior executive explained that people-led review would still have a role, but AI can safeguard staff by removing the most distressing content prior to it gets reviewed by humans. TikTok stated a 76% decrease in disturbing and violent content seen by human moderators over the last 12 months due to reliance on its automated systems.
“We think that it’s essential to balance humans and technology to maintain a secure environment,” the official commented. “We’ll have humans as part of that process, but we additionally believe it’s highly necessary to reduce exposure to harmful content as swiftly, which is where a significant AI assistance is making a difference process content quickly.”
