GLAAD, the LGBTQ media advocacy organisation, gave failing grades to most major social media platforms for their handling of safety, privacy, and expression for the LGBTQ community online, as reported by The Hill. In the fourth annual Social Media Safety Index, GLAAD assessed hate, disinformation, anti-LGBTQ tropes, content suppression, AI, data protection, and the link between online hate and real-world harm.
Five of six leading social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, received failing grades for the third consecutive year. TikTok was the only platform not to receive an F, instead earning a D+ due to improvements in its Anti-Discrimination Ad Policy, which included preventing advertisers from wrongfully targeting or excluding users from content. Meanwhile, Threads received its first F since its launch in 2023, and Facebook and Instagram’s ratings worsened from the previous year.
Why does it matter?
GLAAD uses this index to urge social media leaders to create safer environments for the LGBTQ community, noting a lack of enforcement of current policies in the digital sector and a clear link between online hate and increasing real-world violence and legislative attacks.
OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, has entered a significant deal with media giant News Corp, securing access to content from its major publications. The agreement follows a recent content licensing deal with the Financial Times aimed at enhancing the capabilities of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Such partnerships are essential for training AI models, providing a financial boost to news publishers traditionally excluded from the profits generated by internet companies distributing their content.
The financial specifics of the latest deal remain undisclosed, though the Wall Street Journal, a News Corp entity, reported that it could be valued at over $250 million across five years. The deal ensures that content from News Corp’s publications, including the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, and the Times, will not be immediately available on ChatGPT upon publication. The following move is part of OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to secure diverse data sources, following a similar agreement with Reddit.
The announcement has positively impacted News Corp’s market performance, with shares rising by approximately 4%. OpenAI’s continued collaboration with prominent media platforms underscores its commitment to developing sophisticated AI models capable of generating human-like responses and comprehensive text summaries.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a requirement for political ads to disclose the use of AI-generated content. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced Wednesday that the FCC would seek public comments on this potential rule. The initiative aims to ensure transparency in political advertising, allowing consumers to know when AI tools are utilised in the ads they view.
Under the proposed framework, candidate and issue ads would need to include disclosures about AI-generated content for cable, satellite TV, and radio providers, but not for streaming services like YouTube, which fall outside FCC regulation. The first step involves defining what constitutes AI-generated content and determining if such a regulation is necessary. The proposal marks the beginning of a fact-finding mission to develop new regulations.
The FCC document emphasises the public interest in protecting viewers from misleading or deceptive programming and promoting informed decision-making. While the proposal is still in its early stages, it reflects a growing concern about the impact of AI on political communication. The rule, if implemented, could deter low-effort AI-generated ads and help address deceptive practices in political advertising.
The FCC will gather more information on how this rule would interact with the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Election Commission, which oversee advertising and campaign regulations. The timeline for the rule’s enforcement remains uncertain, pending further review and public input.
AI-generated images of young girls, some as young as five, are spreading on TikTok and Instagram, drawing inappropriate comments from a troubling audience consisting mostly of older men, Forbes uncovers. These images depict children in provocative outfits, sparking serious concerns, and while the images are not illegal, they are highly sexualised, prompting child safety experts to warn about their potential to lead to more severe exploitation.
It is no wonder they are causing a sense of imminent danger, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram, popular with minors, struggling to address this issue. One popular account, “Woman With Chopsticks,” had 80,000 followers and viral posts viewed nearly half a million times across both platforms. A recent study by Stanford revealed that the AI tool Stable Diffusion 1.5 was developed using child sexual abuse material (CSAM) involving real children collected from various online sources.
Under federal law, tech companies must report suspected CSAM and exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which then informs law enforcement. However, they are optional to remove the type of images discussed here. Nonetheless, NCMEC believes that social media companies should remove these images, even if they exist in a legal grey area.
TikTok and Instagram assert that they have strict policies against AI-generated content involving minors to protect young people. TikTok bans content showing anyone under 18, while Meta removes material that sexualises or exploits children, whether real or AI-generated. Both platforms removed accounts and posts identified by Forbes. However, despite strict policies, the ease of creating and sharing AI-generated images will certainly remain a significant challenge for safeguarding children online.
Why does it matter?
The Forbes story reveals that such content, which has increasingly become easy to find due to powerful algorithm recommendations, worsens online child exploitation, acting as gateways to severe material exchange and facilitating offender networking. A 13 January TikTok slideshow of young girls in pyjamas found by the investigation showed users moving to private messages. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection stressed that companies need to look beyond automated moderation to address how these images are shared and followed.
Google’s deployment of AI to condense search results is causing publishers’ concern about potential website traffic declines. The update to Google’s search engine, recently announced, will introduce AI-generated summaries of online queries in the US, with plans to expand globally. The implementation of AI in Google browsers could diminish the significance of links and web pages for over a billion users, potentially reducing audiences for bloggers, news outlets, and other online content creators who rely on Google referrals.
The AI-generated summaries, produced by Google’s Gemini technology, will offer concise insights from various online sources with minimal links. Google claims the change will encourage users to explore a wider range of websites, but critics, including Marketing AI Institute CEO Paul Roetzer, anticipate negative impacts on publishers and advertisers. With little information Google provides about the implications for these stakeholders, uncertainty looms over the future of online visibility and revenue generation.
Jeff Jarvis, a professor at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, suggests that news organisations with credible information could benefit from partnerships with AI giants. However, the advertising industry faces uncertainties, with Semasio CEO Jeff Ragovin warning of potential revenue losses and the need for better-targeted ads amidst the AI-driven search landscape.
Reddit has announced a new partnership with OpenAI, allowing the popular chatbot ChatGPT to access Reddit’s content. The partnership caused Reddit’s shares to surge by 12% in extended trading, and it is part of Reddit’s strategy to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising, complementing its recent agreement with Alphabet, which enables Google’s AI models to use Reddit’s data.
OpenAI will utilise Reddit’s application programming interface (API) to access and distribute content, marking a big step in integrating AI with social media data. Additionally, OpenAI will serve as a Reddit advertising partner, potentially boosting Reddit’s advertising revenue.
Why does it matter?
The development follows Reddit’s IPO in March and its lucrative deal with Alphabet worth around $60 million annually. Investors see these partnerships as crucial for generating revenue from data sales, supplementing the company’s advertising income. Reddit’s recent financial reports indicate strong revenue growth and improving profitability, reflecting the success of its AI data deals and advertising initiatives. Consequently, Reddit’s stock has risen by 10.5% to $62.31, showing a significant increase since its market debut.
The EU enforcers responsible for overseeing the Digital Services Act (DSA) are intensifying their scrutiny of disinformation campaigns on X, formerly known as Twitter and owned by Elon Musk, in the aftermath of the recent shooting of Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico. X has been under formal investigation since December for disseminating disinformation and the efficacy of its content moderation tools, particularly its ‘Community Notes’ feature. Despite ongoing investigations, no penalties have been imposed thus far.
Elon Musk’s personal involvement in amplifying a post by right-wing influencer Ian Miles Cheong linking the shooting to Robert Fico’s purported rejection of the World Health Organization’s pandemic prevention plan has drawn further attention to X’s role in spreading potentially harmful narratives. In response to inquiries during a press briefing, EU officials confirmed they are closely monitoring content on the platform to assess the effectiveness of X’s measures in combating disinformation.
In addition to disinformation concerns, X’s introduction of its generative AI chatbot, Grok, in the EU has raised regulatory eyebrows. Grok, known for its politically incorrect responses, has been delayed in certain aspects until after the upcoming European Parliament elections due to perceived risks to civic discourse and election integrity. The EU is in close communication with X regarding the rollout of Grok, indicating the regulatory scrutiny surrounding emerging AI technologies and their potential impact on online discourse and democratic processes.
The EU regulators announced on Thursday that Meta Platforms’ social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, will undergo investigation for potential violations of the EU online content rules about child safety, potentially resulting in significant fines. The scrutiny follows the EU’s implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) last year, which places greater responsibility on tech companies to address illegal and harmful content on their platforms.
The European Commission has expressed concerns that Facebook and Instagram have not adequately addressed risks to children, prompting an in-depth investigation. Issues highlighted include the potential for the platforms’ systems and algorithms to promote behavioural addictions among children and facilitate access to inappropriate content, leading to what the Commission refers to as ‘rabbit-hole effects’. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding Meta’s age assurance and verification methods.
Why does it matter?
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is already under the EU scrutiny over election disinformation, particularly concerning the upcoming European Parliament elections. Violations of the DSA can result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual global turnover, indicating the seriousness with which the EU regulators are approaching these issues. Meta’s response to the investigation and any subsequent actions will be closely monitored as the EU seeks to enforce stricter regulations on tech giants to protect online users, especially children, from harm.
Paul Tran and his wife Lynda experienced a transformative moment when their skincare brand gained viral attention on TikTok. The couple, based in Atlanta, saw their business, @loveandpebble, skyrocket in popularity after showcasing their Beauty Pops ice face masks on the platform in 2021. The viral exposure led to sold-out inventory and features on major shows like ‘The Today Show’ and ‘Shark Tank.’
However, their success is now threatened by a bill passed by the US Senate, signed into law by President Joe Biden in April, which could ban TikTok in the US if its owner, ByteDance, fails to divest the app within a year. The legal move is driven by concerns over data security and potential spying by China. TikTok creators, including small business owners like Tran, are fighting back, with some suing the US government to block the law and preserve their livelihoods.
Why does it matter?
For many small businesses, TikTok has been a lifeline, offering unparalleled opportunities for exposure and growth that American-owned platforms like Meta, Alphabet, and Snap have struggled to replicate. The app’s algorithm, combined with features like TikTok Shop, which allows creators to sell directly within the app, has been instrumental in propelling businesses to success.
The stories of entrepreneurs like Summer Lucille and Felicia Jackson underscore TikTok’s unique ability to level the playing field for small creators. Lucille found rapid success with her plus-size clothing company after years of frustration on other platforms, while Jackson credits TikTok with revitalizing her business, CPRWrap, after previous attempts on platforms like Facebook and Pinterest fell short. As rivals like Meta’s Instagram attempt to address disparities in content reach, the enduring appeal of TikTok lies in its ability to foster communities and provide equal opportunities for creators of all sizes.
Every year, the Met Gala courts controversy, but in 2024, a TikTok audio track ignited outrage before the event even began. Influencer Haley Kalil faced backlash for using a snippet from the film ‘Marie Antoinette,’ featuring the infamous line, ‘Let them eat cake,’ as she showcased her lavish attire. Critics likened the spectacle to ‘The Hunger Games,’ criticising the disconnect between opulence and global suffering, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts like the Gaza crisis.
Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for shaping public discourse, especially concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. With audiences primarily exposed to the issue through digital channels, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become outlets for frustration and activism. Simultaneously, a grassroots movement known as ‘Blockout 2024’ emerged, urging users to block celebrities to diminish their influence and redirect attention to pressing global issues.
The Blockout movement has gained momentum, with thousands participating in calls to action on social media. Alongside blocking celebrities, efforts to provide direct aid to Gaza have intensified. Influencers are facing pressure to promote fundraising initiatives like Operation Olive Branch, highlighting the role of social media in mobilising support for humanitarian causes amidst geopolitical conflicts.
While the impact of social media activism remains uncertain, the Blockout movement seems to be a shift towards digital solidarity and accountability. As the conflict unfolds through short-form videos and Instagram posts, the conversation sparked by events like the Met Gala indicates a growing intersection between celebrity culture, social media activism, and global crises.
