TikTok Rolls out “footnotes” Feature in the US to Combat Misinformation
TikTok has launched a new feature called “Footnotes” in the United States, designed to provide users with additional context and fact-checking capabilities directly within the app. this initiative aims to enhance the platform’s integrity and empower users to better assess the reliability of content.
The “Footnotes” feature allows users to add contextual facts to videos, similar to a fact-check or a clarification. These additions will be visible to other users, offering a community-driven approach to information verification. According to TikTok,the system will learn and improve over time as more footnotes are contributed and rated,making the process of identifying and displaying accurate information more efficient.
Initially, the visibility of a footnote might potentially be delayed as contributors familiarize themselves with the feature. However, TikTok anticipates that as the system gathers more data and user feedback, the time between a footnote being written and becoming public will decrease.
Content moderation for “Footnotes” will involve a combination of automated systems and human review. Users also have the ability to report footnotes they believe are inaccurate or violate TikTok’s community guidelines.
This new feature builds upon TikTok’s existing efforts to maintain platform integrity, which include content labels, search banners, and a global fact-checking program. These tools are intended to help users understand content reliability and access authoritative sources.
The introduction of “Footnotes” is part of a broader rollout of new features by TikTok, including “Discover & Learn,” “Family Pairing,” a focus on user well-being, and new tools for creators.
