Creators who upload potentially “problematic” content on a regular basis will face penalties from the app.
TikTok is increasing the severity of the fines it imposes on content creators who publish content that could be considered “problematic” and is also tightening its rules around what can be recommended within the app. The upgrades come at a time when TikTok is attempting to convince politicians and authorities in the United States that the app is safe for adolescents and is fighting for its survival in the country.
TikTok has introduced a lengthy list of content that is not eligible to be suggested in the app’s highly sought-after “For You” feed. These criteria are part of the modified community guidelines that are scheduled to go into effect in the month of May. The list includes some categories that are self-evident, such as content that is sexually provocative or violent, but it also covers issues that have been a source of controversy for the app in the past. As an illustration, the new criteria prohibit movies that depict “dangerous activity and challenges,” in addition to a wide variety of content that pertains to weight reduction or dieting activities. In addition, it prevents any videos uploaded by individuals who are younger than 16 years old from being included in “For You.”
In addition to that, there is a substantial portion that is devoted to material that contains a wide variety of conspiracy and false information. As stated in the guidelines:
-Conspiracy theories that are not supported by evidence and assert that particular occurrences or circumstances are being carried out by strong or covert organizations, such as “the government” or a “secret society”
Health misinformation that causes moderate harm, such as a recommendation for the treatment of a minor sickness that has not been demonstrated to be effective
-Media that has been repurposed, such as portraying a throng at a music concert and creating the impression that it is a political demonstration
- Misrepresenting authoritative sources, such as using specific scientific facts in a selective manner in order to justify a conclusion that is in direct opposition to the findings of the study
- Claims that have not been confirmed in relation to an accident or an ongoing occurrence
-Misinformation that could likely cause significant harm while it is being subjected to a fact-checking review
TikTok has announced that in addition to the modifications to eligibility, it will also begin to penalize artists who consistently disobey this guidance by making their entire account ineligible for recommendations. This measure will not only apply to the specific posts that have been deemed inappropriate. In addition to this, the corporation will make it “harder to find” their account when searching.
In addition, the application is going to be updated with a new function called “account status,” which will assist users in monitoring whether or not they are violating these guidelines. Similar to the tool of the same name that is available on Instagram, the account status feature on TikTok will notify creators of strikes that have been placed on their account as well as posts that violate the rules of the app. Moreover, a tool known as “account check” will make it possible for users to determine whether or not they are currently being prevented from receiving recommendations or are otherwise unable to access functions such as texting or commenting as a consequence of violating the rules of the application.