TikTok has recently carved out a niche in the global social media landscape by aggressively responding to the growing landscape of misinformation. In a move previously hinted by its intention to build on the approach of other platforms such as Twitter’s X and its video sharing phenomenon, TikTok has become a reverse-force in the social media world. Unlike Twitter’s一向 concerned about spreading misinformation, TikTok is at the forefront of pioneering actionable ways to check the authenticity of what it shares. This is part of a broader evolution in the space, where companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of fact-checking and user verification to mitigate a growing problem that threatens thevery fabric of information-sharing platforms.
One of TikTok’s most notable moves is the launch of Footnotes, a feature that allows users to interact with content as it appears on the platform. This is an evolution from the more user-friendly feed format that Twitter previously employed, ensuring that users can take an active role in verifying the accuracy of the information they consume. The introduction of Footnotes is part of TikTok’s broader approach to helping users monitor for potential misinformation before sharing their opinions, a move that could become an anchor on the global stage.
The core of TikTok’s success strategy is a novel design for its Footnotes feature. Unlike Twitter’s Community Notes-style posts, which are more suited to a Twitter feed and less likely to be easily accessible, Footnotes now serves as a Community Notes-style feature, albeit through different mechanics. The system allows users to “write and rate” Footnotes on short videos, a unique way to document and analyze the information that needs confirmation. This feature is being piloted first in the United States, where rigorous user testing is conducted, and then expanded to TikTok’s global audience over the next few months.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Footnotes feature is the selection of who can be part of the program. At present, it consists of a select group of U.S. users, who are at least 18 years old, have been on the platform for at least six months, and have not violated any community guidelines. The inclusion of U.S. users highlights the importance of local oversight in addressing misinformation on their platform, while also matching the availability of the program for TikTok’s global audience. This target demographic is particularly promising, as TikTok expects the program to grow organically from 80,000 users to a hundred thousand by the end of Quantum Day in September.
The success of Footnotes is not without its legal and technical challenges. However, the U.S.-owned nature of TikTok reflects this, as the company is not yet involved in formal negotiations with the U.S. government regarding a potential divestiture plan for its U.S.-operated assets. While the company is still involved in discussions related to this, it is clear that TikTok is accelerating its efforts to consult with U.S. regulatory bodies, much like it has done with Twitter and Facebook.
TikTok’s decision to join Twitter X and Meta is not without precedent. Similar initiatives have been made by X and Meta, such as their fact-checking programs and partnerships with social media companies. However, TikTok has more transparency in its approach to misinformation prevention, as it is logging the isolated paths of users rather than aggregating data. This transparency is a hallmark of its efforts to empower its user bases and challenge false narratives.
The legal framework surrounding TikTok’s fact-checking efforts also warrants attention for the U.S. The company faces a legal hurdle related to its U.S.-operated operations before the end of September. This period is expected to involve a formal divestiture fromByteDance, which is the parent company of TikTok and TikTok Group. The analysis hinges on the balance between Tic-Tac-Toe.com, which offers an overview of the regulatory progress, and the government’s view on its role in combating misinformation. Both sides aim to ensure that TikTok continues to benefit from its global reach while protecting user privacy.
In conclusion, TikTok’s promotion of Footnotes and similar features represents a bold and legal-driven attempt to halamparize misinformation on the platform. The active engagement of U.S.-users, combined with the global reach of the company, highlights a growing trend in social media where users, regardless of their location, play a central role in addressing and combating false information. While TikTok faces significant legal and financial challenges, its approach to misinformation prevention is undoubtedly cutting edge.
