TikTok will soon label content that has been edited before being uploaded.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the ease with which the deformity spreads through online platforms.
talk news talk breakfastTechnology correspondent Jess Kelly said it provides important context for the content viewers consume.
“We know that AI, deepfakes, altered images and manipulated audio are very prominent on social media these days,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s done as a joke, sometimes it’s done to make fun of someone, sometimes it’s done to change the narrative.
“There are so many doctored images coming out in politics, in sports, in entertainment.
“TikTok is now at the source, and when you upload AI-generated content, it has a label that helps you know that this has been tampered with or modified in some way.”
However, labels are only added if the content you upload was created on another platform.
“For example, if you edit a video on your laptop or phone, use some form of AI, and then upload it to TikTok for the world to see, you'll see a label warning you. People who are there will recognize it as AI-generated,” Jess said.
Other technology companies are also concerned about the increased usage of AI and are considering how their platforms can adapt to it.
“We're seeing companies like Meta partnering with different organizations to identify different content generated by AI,” Jess said.
“And label it if you can.
“Google announced that AI labels are coming to YouTube.
“Little by little, we are getting there, but I think this is a monumental task and AI is only part of the problem.”
Nevertheless, Jess believes AI is “not the whole problem” and pointed out that the new rules do not address the most harmful form of content: false information.
“I'm worried,” she said.
“Is this enough? And the doctored images are just part of the misinformation.
“If you open TikTok right now, you'll see people in a garden, probably in housecoats, talking to the camera and spewing misinformation.
“We have become very conscious about AI, and we absolutely should be, but we cannot forget the fundamental principles of good and evil, truth and fiction.”
Main image: TikTok app on smartphone screen.
