TikTok is rolling out a new warning banner on videos that contain unverified information to discourage users from sharing them.
TikTok already identifies and removes misinformation from its platform after having fact-checkers at PolitiFact, Lead Stories, and SciVerify assess it. But sometimes, fact-checking proves inconclusive as it’s difficult to verify a piece of content’s accuracy – especially as major events unfold.
Related | Google Tests Adding TikTok And Instagram Videos To Search Results On Mobile
To limit the spread of potentially misleading information, TikTok makes some videos ineligible to appear in people’s For You feed, but now it’s adding a warning banner to videos that fact-checkers have been unable to substantiate. The whole idea is to limit sharing of possible misinformation.
The banner reads “Caution: Video flagged for unverified content,” and the video’s creator will also be notified.
When someone tries to share the flagged video, TikTok will show the prompt as a way to help them consider whether to “share anyway” or “cancel.” As TikTok Product Manager for Trust & Safety, Gina Hernandez explains,
“We love that our community’s creativity encourages people to share TikTok videos with others who might enjoy them – both within our platform and beyond – but we’ve designed this feature to help our users be mindful about what they share.”
TikTok has seen a 24% decrease in the rate at which people shared these videos, as well as a 7% decrease in likes.
The feature is rolling out within the next few weeks – starting in the US and Canada.
You might also like
More from TikTok
TikTokers Can Now Join The Biggest Union In Hollywood
SAG-AFTRA revealed a new 'Influencer Agreement' that offers representation to TikTokers and Creators across other platforms.
Three TikTok Features All Parents Should Know About
Here are three TikTok parental features that you should know about if your teens are using the app.
TikTok Becomes Global Sponsor Of UEFA EURO 2020
TikTok is now the first "digital entertainment platform" to sponsor the UEFA EURO 2020 European Football Championship.
Justin Bieber Will Perform Live On TikTok For Valentine’s Day
Justin Bieber will go live on TikTok, performing tracks from his 2013 Journals release for the first time.
TikTok Expands Its Relationship With Universal Music Group
TikTok is expanding its existing collaboration with Universal Music Group, bringing future benefits for recording artists and songwriters.
Instagram, TikTok, And Twitter Team Up To Fight Username Hacking
Username hacking consists of stealing rare and coveted usernames on platforms like Instagram, and then sell them for a profit.
Nathan Apodaca Will Join Biden’s Inauguration Day Parade
TikTok star Nathan Apodaca – a.k.a. 420Doggface208 — will officially join Joe Biden's Inauguration Day festivities.
Netflix Sensation Bridgerton Could Soon Be The New TikTok Musical
After the success of the Ratatouille Musical, the current Netflix sensation Bridgerton could soon become the next TikTok Musical.
Ratatouille Raised Over $1 Million For The Actors Fund On TikTok
Ratatouille, the TikTok musical, helped raise more than $1 million to help support the performance industries during the pandemic.