Did TikTok Ban AI? There are New Rules on AI Generated Content

In the midst of discussions about bans and restrictions, it’s essential to understand TikTok’s stance on AI-generated content. Transparency and authenticity mean TikTok calls on creators to disclose content that has been heavily modified or fully generated through AI. Changes that heavily modify a subject’s actions, words, or appearance are the ones that fall into this category. In clarity for TikTok, this shall avoid miscommunication of information when such content is AI-enhanced.

1. AI-Generated Content Labeling: TikTok has introduced requirements for creators to label any content created or significantly altered with AI technologies, including synthetic media like deepfakes, among other contents that potentially mislead viewers. The goal is to ensure that users can differentiate between actual and AI-altered content to avoid misinformation.
2. New Tools and Technologies: TikTok has introduced new tools that make it easy for creators to label AI-generated content. This functionality is integrated at the point of upload, making it easy for creators to comply with the new guidelines. Additionally, TikTok is working on automatic detection methods that will eventually label AI-generated content without requiring creator input, with the goal of further protecting the platform from misleading uses of AI.
3. Enhanced Transparency and Educational Efforts: The platform is committed to user education on AI and its implications. It means TikTok will launch educational videos and other resources so that users better understand the nature of AI-generated content. This is part of the broader push toward fostering a more informed user base capable of critical engagement with AI-enhanced media​.
4. Community and Safety Consultations: In developing these guidelines and tools, TikTok has extensively consulted its Safety Advisory Councils and other relevant stakeholders involved, including experts from the industry. The collaboration approach will help ensure that policies on AI content within the platform are robust, ethical, and support a safe online environment​​.

TikTok’s Approach to AI and Content Policies

Such watermarks will be added by either the creators themselves or automatically by TikTok to make sure that viewers actually know they are watching something that is AI-generated. The transparency is an important part of preserving trust in the platform and keeping the spread of misinformation at bay .

Prohibited AI-Generated Content

Not all AI-created content is allowed on TikTok, which draws the line at content involving the likeliness of real or fictional persons for endorsements, or misrepresenting private individuals, regardless of disclosure. Such content is promptly taken down to maintain community guidelines and avoid abuse of AI technology.

How to Label AI-Generated Content on TikTok

For creators diving into AI-generated content, TikTok has made the labeling process To make life easier for creators of AI-generated content, TikTok has made the process of labeling such content seamless. All a creator needs to do before posting is tap the “More options” button on the Post screen and toggle “AI-generated content” on. That automatically ensures the video will bear the “Creator labeled as AI-generated tag” for keeping their audience informed and the content within TikTok’s policies and guidelines.

Update H2 2024

As of the second half of 2024, TikTok has not deployed AI-generated comments on its platform. Rather, the company has invested in handling AI-generated content with the launch of automated labeling for such content. In May 2024, TikTok began applying “AI-generated” labels automatically to content made with third-party AI tools like OpenAI’s DALL·E 3, using Content Credentials technology from the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, or C2PA. This will help bring more transparency and prevent the advancement of misleading information. Furthermore, TikTok has provided creators with ways to denote AI-generated content of their own and updated policy requiring all creators to disclose when AI is used in creating content. These changes mark a commitment by TikTok to integrate AI responsibly and ensure users maintain transparency.