Syed Imran Haider 
TikTok introduced many changes to its services on Thursday. They include what the company claims to increase enforcement against violations. It also tests new user-facing tools that aim to refresh the For You feed – the primary algorithmic feed of the app.
The Chinese video-streaming company introduced changes, aiming to keep the platform safe and entertaining for creators and users alike. While every social media company has its content guidelines, they have varying ways of enforcement.
Individuals violating the guidelines are subject to a ban on their content, though they do not improve from past mistakes. TikTok has developed an enforcement system that comprises various penalties, such as temporary bans on comments or posting. The strike system aims to eliminate dangerous content on the platform.
TikTok’s Strike System under Criticism
Julie de Baillie nCourt, the Global Head of Product Policy at TikTok, admitted that most creators criticize the current system, calling it a bit confusing to navigate, particularly if they do not violate TikTok’s guidelines or break its policy. They also do not know the reason to have been penalized. The executive explained the new strike system does not have adequate efficiency to deter repeat violators.
According to Baillie nCourt, repeat violators tend to follow a particular pattern. TikTok’s analysis found almost 90 percent violations through the same feature consistently, whereas over 75% keep violating the same category policy.
Accordingly, TikTok will move to a YouTube-like strike system. Creators will increase strikes when their content is no longer on the platform. The video-streaming platform will permanently ban those who reach a threshold of strikes within a product feature, such as TikTok LIVE or comments, or policy like harassment or bullying.
TikTok says the platform will have a varying threshold according to the violation and its potential to damage community followers. For instance, a lower threshold for violating hateful content policies is to post low-harm spam. TikTok has no plans to stop putting permanent bans for severe violation cases. These include videos showing or assisting CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material), threatening or promoting violence, or demonstrating real-world torture.
No Data available on the Number of Strikes in the App
The Chinese platform will permanently ban those accounts that accumulate cumulative strikes across features and policies. The accrued strikes will meet an expiry from an account’s record after three months.
TikTok did not explain what it considers a high number of strikes or share more details about the threshold in numerous areas. It could lead to more confusion among creators as they seek to contrary engineer the system on which accounts get strikes.
The video streaming app will enable creators to track their strikes and their account’s reputation on the platform through an updated Safety Center for creators. They can check their status and the standing of the reports they have made on other accounts or videos. The app allows creators to consult the Safety to appeal strikes if they think the company has given them out in error. TikTok will alert the creators who are close to the app.
