TikTok Introduces Footnotes to Enhance Context
TikTok is currently testing a new feature called “Footnotes” that aims to provide users with additional context for videos that may be misleading. This feature is being rolled out in the United States, where TikTok boasts around 170 million users. Footnotes will allow the community to contribute relevant information, helping viewers better understand video content.
Unlike similar tools on other platforms, TikTok plans to maintain its own fact-checking efforts alongside Footnotes. Adam Presser, head of operations, explained that this feature will complement existing measures such as content labels and search banners, offering a more comprehensive approach to verifying information.
How Footnotes Will Work on TikTok
Adult US users who have been active on TikTok for at least six months and have maintained good standing with community guidelines can apply to become Footnotes contributors. These contributors can add context to videos and also rate the Footnotes submitted by others. Footnotes that receive positive feedback will become visible to all users, who can then vote on their usefulness.
“Whether the content discusses a complex STEM-related concept, shares statistics that could misrepresent a topic, or updates about an ongoing event, there may be additional context that could help others better understand it,” Presser noted. “That’s why we’re building Footnotes.” This community-driven approach aims to enhance the reliability of content by providing more background and authoritative sources.
Footnotes and TikTok’s Ongoing Misinformation Efforts
Footnotes will enhance TikTok’s existing integrity tools, such as labels for unverifiable content and partnerships with fact-checking organizations to assess accuracy. This new feature seeks to harness the collective knowledge of users to combat misinformation more effectively.
Meanwhile, other social media companies have moved away from traditional fact-checking programs. For example, some platforms have replaced third-party fact-checking with crowd-sourced context tools similar to Footnotes. However, the effectiveness of such tools remains debated, especially amid concerns about censorship and bias from various political groups.
Context Amid TikTok’s US Regulatory Challenges
The introduction of Footnotes comes as TikTok’s parent company faces pressure from US regulators to address data security concerns. There are ongoing talks about a potential sale or restructuring of the app to avoid a ban in the US. Despite reports of an agreement, recent trade tensions have complicated the process.
While these discussions continue, TikTok is focusing on improving user trust through features like Footnotes. By enabling users to add informative context, the platform hopes to foster a more informed community and reduce the spread of false information.
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