TikTok has announced that it will implement a new technology called ‘Content Credentials’ to label images and videos created by AI on its platform. Developed by Adobe, this digital watermark technology aims to address concerns regarding the authenticity and potential misuse of AI-generated content, particularly in relation to the upcoming US elections.
The Content Credentials technology will attach digital watermarks to indicate how images and videos were created and edited, allowing users to distinguish content produced by humans from AI-generated content. TikTok’s adoption of this technology follows in the footsteps of other companies like OpenAI and is part of a broader effort by tech giants to combat the potential use of AI-generated content for misinformation purposes. YouTube and Meta Platforms, which owns Instagram and Facebook, have also expressed their intention to adopt Content Credentials, even though they already use AI-generated content labelling tools.
For the watermark system to be effective, both the creators of the generative AI tools and the platforms must agree to use the industry standard. For example, if an image is generated using OpenAI’s Dall-E tool, a watermark will automatically be attached to the resulting image. If this marked image is then uploaded to TikTok, it will be labelled as AI-generated content.
Why does it matter?
While TikTok already labels AI-generated content created within its app, this new initiative expands the labelling to content generated outside the TikTok ecosystem. By doing so, TikTok aims to enhance control over disseminating AI-generated material and maintain transparency for its user community.
Ukraine has issued a warning about Russia’s escalating use of TikTok to challenge President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s legitimacy and erode national morale amid Russia’s military actions. Russian influencers and bots are reportedly behind viral TikTok videos targeting 20 May, the date when Zelenskiy’s first term would have ended if not for election disruptions due to martial law. Andriy Kovalenko, a senior official focused on countering Russian misinformation, highlighted Russia’s systematic approach to TikTok, exploiting the platform to sway public opinion.
As Russia continues its military campaign against Ukraine, it has expanded its information warfare to platforms like TikTok alongside traditional battlegrounds. The use of TikTok to disseminate misinformation represents a strategic shift in Russia’s multifaceted approach to influencing public perception and leveraging its advantage in cyberspace. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has responded by enhancing safety measures and removing harmful misinformation in Ukraine amid broader scrutiny over data security and misinformation concerns from the US and the EU.
In response to these challenges, Ukraine advocates for greater cooperation from social media companies like TikTok by urging them to establish full-scale offices in Kyiv to combat disinformation effectively. Kovalenko, who actively uses TikTok to counter false narratives, emphasised the need to adapt Ukraine’s approach to this influential platform. The call for action by Kovalenko comes as TikTok reports uncovering covert influence operations related to Ukraine conflict and removing millions of problematic videos during the last quarter.
Why does it matter?
Ukraine’s efforts to confront Russia’s information campaign on TikTok reflect broader concerns over the app’s influence and security. While governments like the US and the EU take measures to safeguard against potential threats posed by platforms like TikTok, the ongoing geopolitical dynamics and the use of social media as a battleground highlight the complex challenges digital technologies pose in the modern information landscape.
TikTok has filed a lawsuit against the US government, challenging a new law that requires the app to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban in the US. The company argues that the law is unconstitutional and deems it impossible to sell the app from ByteDance, stating that it would instead result in a shutdown by 19 January 2025.
Namely, the law, signed by President Joe Biden last month, grants ByteDance nine months to divest TikTok or cease its operations in the US, citing national security concerns. However, TikTok’s complaint argues that the government has not presented sufficient evidence of the Chinese government misusing the app. Concerns expressed by individual members of Congress and a congressional committee report are speculative about the potential misuse of TikTok in the future without citing specific instances of misconduct. However, TikTok asserts that it has operated prominently in the US since its launch in 2017.
The app contends that a ban in the US would be unfeasible due to the complex task of transferring millions of lines of software code from ByteDance to a new owner. Additionally, restrictions imposed by the Chinese government would prevent the sale of TikTok along with its algorithm. TikTok argues that such a ban would effectively isolate American users and undermine its business, mentioning also its previous efforts to address US government concerns.
During the Trump administration, discussions were held regarding partnerships with American companies such as Walmart, Microsoft, and Oracle to separate TikTok’s US operations. However, these potential deals have yet to materialise. TikTok also attempted to appease the government by storing US user data in Oracle’s servers, although a recent report suggests that this action was primarily cosmetic.
TikTok seeks a court judgement to declare the Biden administration’s legislation unconstitutional in response to the new law. The company also requests an order to prevent the attorney general from enforcing the law.
The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen suggested that banning TikTok in the EU could be an option during a debate in Maastricht featuring parties’ lead candidates for the bloc’s 2024 election. Von der Leyen, speaking as the lead candidate of the centre-right European People’s Party, underlined the need to address the dangers associated with TikTok, highlighting the Commission’s proactive stance by banning TikTok on corporate phones.
The remark comes amidst a series of challenges for TikTok in Europe as recently TikTok decided to suspend a feature that rewards users for interacting with the TikTok Lite app following an investigation by the European Commission under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Additionally, TikTok faces a separate probe under the DSA for alleged failure to protect minors, with the Commission having the authority to order temporary service suspensions as a last resort.
While von der Leyen expressed a clear stance on TikTok, other candidates at the debate, like Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann of the liberal ALDE party, remained more cautious, indicating a need to observe developments regarding TikTok. Notably, von der Leyen reportedly avoids sanctioning TikTok while campaigning for a second term. Despite requests for comment, TikTok did not respond before the publication date.
ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, faces a crucial decision amidst looming legislation threatening to ban the app from US app stores. Sources close to ByteDance revealed that the company may opt to shut down TikTok rather than sell it, should legal avenues be exhausted. Central to this decision is the significance of TikTok’s algorithms, which are considered vital to ByteDance’s operations. Despite TikTok’s contribution being a small fraction of ByteDance’s total revenue and user base, the parent company hesitates to part with its core algorithm.
TikTok’s fate hinges on US legislation, with President Biden signing a bill that could force its sale by 19 January. However, Biden may extend this deadline by three months if ByteDance shows progress. Yet, ByteDance remains tight-lipped about its plans. It merely reiterates its lack of intention to sell TikTok as its CEO expresses confidence in overcoming legal challenges, underlining the app’s importance to its 170 million American users.
The intertwined nature of TikTok with ByteDance’s core algorithms poses a significant hurdle to any potential sale. TikTok’s algorithms align closely with ByteDance’s domestic apps, making it challenging to divest without relinquishing crucial intellectual property. Moreover, ByteDance is adamant about safeguarding its ‘secret source’ – the TikTok algorithm – from falling into the hands of competitors. This stance reflects a broader concern over data security and technological sovereignty.
Why does it matter?
Tensions surrounding TikTok highlight broader geopolitical and technological concerns, with China indicating resistance to any forced divestment of the app. The situation underscores the intricate web of international relations, trade regulations, and corporate strategies shaping the fate of digital platforms like TikTok. As ByteDance navigates this complex landscape, the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, with profound implications for both the company and its millions of users worldwide.
Kenya’s government has advised against banning TikTok amidst concerns over content shared on the platform, suggesting stricter oversight instead. The recommendation comes in response to a parliamentary panel considering a citizen’s petition to ban the Chinese-owned app. The interior ministry alleges TikTok has been used for spreading propaganda, fraud, and distributing sexual content.
The information and communication ministry proposed a co-regulation model, urging TikTok to screen content for compliance with laws in Kenya and submit quarterly reports on removed material. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has yet to comment on the recommendation since it has faced global criticism but defended its user privacy record.
Regulatory scrutiny of TikTok is not unique to Kenya. Italy recently fined three TikTok units for inadequate content checks, especially concerning children’s safety. Meanwhile, in the US, the Senate approved legislation threatening a TikTok ban unless ByteDance divests within the next nine to twelve months. Concerns centre around fears that China could exploit the app for data access or surveillance of American users.
TikTok has suspended its rewards functions in TikTok Lite, a new app catering to regions with slower internet speeds. This decision follows concerns raised by the European Commission regarding the app’s ‘Task and Reward Program,’ which incentivises user engagement with rewards like Amazon vouchers and PayPal gift cards. Particularly, worries over potential addictive effects, especially for children, due to inadequate age verification mechanisms have been highlighted by the EU executive.
Our children are not guinea pigs for social media.
I take note of TikTok’s decision to suspend the #TikTokLite “Reward Program” in the EU.
The cases against TikTok on the risk of addictiveness of the platform continue.#DSA ensures the safety of our 🇪🇺 online space. https://t.co/J1oI6zNI97
In response to the Commission’s apprehensions, TikTok stated its commitment to engaging constructively with regulators and suspended the rewards functions. However, Commissioner Thierry Breton emphasised that concerns regarding TikTok’s platform addictiveness persist, along with an ongoing investigation to determine TikTok Lite’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA, which came into force recently, imposes regulations on how online platforms handle illegal and harmful content, with TikTok falling under its jurisdiction as a very large online platform (VLOP).
Under the DSA, TikTok was required to conduct and submit a risk assessment before launching the Lite app. However, the Commission’s proceedings revealed TikTok’s initial failure to meet this requirement. Despite missing the initial deadline, TikTok eventually submitted the risk assessment, indicating compliance with the Commission’s demands. France’s digital minister and MEPs have welcomed TikTok’s suspension decision, signalling a positive response from the EU authorities regarding the company’s efforts to address regulatory concerns.
ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, has submitted a long-awaited risk assessment for its TikTok Lite service, recently launched in France and Spain, following regulatory threats of fines and potential bans from the European Commission. Regulators are concerned about the addictive nature of TikTok Lite, particularly its rewards system for users, and claim ByteDance didn’t complete a full risk assessment on time.
ByteDance now has until 24 April to defend itself against regulatory action, including possibly suspending the rewards program. Failure to comply with regulations could result in fines of up to 1% of its total annual income or periodic penalties of up to 5% of its average daily income under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Meanwhile, in the US, legislation is swiftly advancing through Congress, requiring ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to divest its ownership within a year or face a US ban. The Senate has passed this measure as part of a foreign aid package, sending it to President Joe Biden for his expected approval. ByteDance will have nine months initially, with a possible three-month extension, to complete the sale, though legal challenges could cause delays.
The Senate has passed a foreign aid package that includes a bill mandating China-based company ByteDance to sell TikTok within a year or face a US ban on the platform. Having cleared both chambers of Congress, the legislation is now headed to President Joe Biden, who has committed to signing it into law. ByteDance will have an initial nine months to finalise a sale, with a possible three-month extension based on progress, though legal challenges could delay enforcement.
The bill’s successful passage through the Senate was achieved through strategic manoeuvring in the House, where it was included in a high-priority foreign aid package. This move compelled the Senate to address the TikTok issue earlier than anticipated. By extending the divestment timeline, more support was garnered in the Senate, resulting in a vote of 79-18 in favour of the bill.
Lawmakers and intelligence officials have voiced concerns over TikTok’s ownership by a China-based company. They cite potential data security risks due to China’s national security law and fear that the Chinese government’s influence could impact US user experiences.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell stressed that the legislation aims to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage and harming vulnerable Americans, not to punish specific companies.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner highlighted worries about Chinese companies owing allegiance to the Chinese government and potential covert manipulation of social media platforms. He dismissed TikTok’s proposed data governance solution, Project Texas, as inadequate. Despite concerns among TikTok users, Warner assured that the legislation is not about silencing voices but addressing critical national security issues.
President Biden has expressed intent to promptly sign the bill into law to facilitate aid to Ukraine, while TikTok has signalled readiness to challenge the law in court if passed.
Kyrgyzstan has banned TikTok following security service recommendations to safeguard children. The decision comes amid growing global scrutiny over the social media app’s impact on children’s mental health and data privacy.
The Kyrgyz digital ministry cited ByteDance’s failure to comply with child protection laws, sparking concerns from advocacy groups about arbitrary censorship. The decision reflects Kyrgyzstan’s broader trend of tightening control over media and civil society, departing from its relatively open stance.
This decision stems from legislative text approved last summer aimed at curbing the distribution of ‘harmful’ online content accessible to minors. Such content encompasses material featuring ‘non-traditional sexual relationships’ and those that undermine ‘family values,’ as well as promoting illegal conduct, substance abuse, or anti-social behaviours. Chinese officials have not publicly commented on this decision, although in March, Beijing accused the US of ‘bullying’ over similar actions against TikTok.
