TikTok has announced an update to its community guidelines, which will come into effect on September 13, in order to “help everyone stay safe while they create, discover, and connect on the platform.”
As stated in their official communication, this update follows conversations and focus groups with creators to understand their needs and concerns, as well as consultations with experts and organizations across more than 30 markets and input from the regional Advisory Councils of the Chinese social network.
Recognizing that very few people actually read and instead prefer a short 30-second video to communicate information, TikTok has provided an easy-access section, Rules at a Glance, offering a general overview of each policy to facilitate access to information.
One of the sections experiencing the most modifications is the TikTok Live feature. The company warns that creators are responsible for everything that takes place within their live broadcasts, including content generated by third-party tools such as live transcription or real-time translation. It is recommended that creators monitor these tools. Repeated use of problematic tools may lead to restrictions on live streaming.
Additionally, if you produce commercial content, it must be clearly marked with the commercial disclosure option. TikTok will reduce the visibility of any content that prompts users to make purchases outside the platform in markets where TikTok Shop is available. Live streams that feature repetitive or disturbing content, as well as those encouraging off-platform purchases, will not be eligible to appear in the FYF.
Therefore, if you have not yet considered joining TikTok Shop with your business, perhaps now is the time.
On another note, TikTok, which was already highly personalized, will now be even more so. Yes, TikTok knows you enjoy watching videos of massive stones plunging into rivers. Searches and recommendations are now even more tailored: results may vary between users depending on their search or viewing history.
Similarly, the comments section may also vary from one user to another, as it will be based on indicators such as prior responses, “likes,” or reports.
Content generated by artificial intelligence that is “misleading regarding matters of public importance” or that “harms individuals” is now entirely prohibited, expanding the scope of regulation. Specific language on false representations of public figures or crisis events through deepfakes has been removed.
In recent months, we have witnessed the platform become flooded with AI-generated videos, most of which are harmless (tralalero tralalá), though at times have become powerful drivers for the spread of hoaxes and fake news.
The term trustworthy has been eliminated with respect to content moderation. Previously, TikTok stated that moderation aimed to keep the platform “safe, trustworthy, and vibrant”; it is now described as a “safe, fun, and creative space for everyone.”
TikTok has introduced a framework of eight fundamental principles that highlight values such as preventing harm, supporting freedom of expression, encouraging inclusion, promoting transparency, and acting with fairness. Respect for regional cultural realities is also emphasized.
Please note that the platform may remove content if it does not comply with any of these guidelines, as well as restrict its visibility.
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