TikTok will now fact-check the videos that you share if they are substantial and true. This is a prompt that will warn you if you are about to share “unsubstantiated content” with your friends. This feature will be useful especially during unfolding events that would occur before fact-checkers would say their opinion. The prompts will appear on video content that TikTok’s partnering web-based fact-checking platforms such as PolitiFact, Lead Stories, and SciVerify cannot verify.
If ever someone would attempt to re-share an unsubstantiated video, a grey caution prompt would appear on top of the screen. Although the video can still be shared, the prompt will warn the user to think twice before sharing. Also, the content creator will be given a warning by TikTok if the content was flagged and will not be permitted on the For You feed – the app’s landing page.
“If a viewer attempts to share the flagged video, they’ll see a prompt reminding them that the video has been flagged as unverified content. This additional step requires a pause for people to consider their next move before they choose to “cancel” or “share anyway.” said TikTok in a statement.
And upon checking the data for the beta, it seems that users shared 24% less misleading content and flagged videos had decreased to 7% average according to TikTok. US and Canada can already experience the new feature while other regions will be updated in the upcoming weeks.
