Every passing day becomes testier for TikTok. The social app bans several deepfake accounts before its CEO testifies before Congress.

First, former President Donald Trump wanted TikTok sold. The Biden administration bans TikTok from government devices. Now, Mark Warner introduces the Restrict Act, a ridiculously broad and sweeping piece of legislation that gives the government power to ban any product deemed harmful.

TikTok announced its own set of bans of deepfake videos before CEO Shou Chew testifies before Congress. Deepfake videos are AI generated videos of people (celebs or regular people) that look and sound like genuine people. Deepfakes are made by people who aren’t the stars of the videos and strip individuals of their agency.

@tiktok

Our CEO, Shou Chew, shares a special message on behalf of the entire TikTok team to thank our community of 150 million Americans ahead of his congressional hearing later this week.

♬ original sound – TikTok

Why Does It Matter?

TikTok is facing increased pressure to sell itself, preferably an American entity, or face being banned by the US. Shou Chew will be appearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee to testify on TikTok’s data privacy and security safeguards.

TikTok’s new rules require users to label their videos as ‘fake’ if they are indeed deepfakes. Their new rules prevent uploading deepfakes of private and young people. This will help prevent the spread of revenge porn, but they still allow deepfakes of celebrities and public figures. They also plan specific restrictions banning abuse, misinformation, and hate speech.

It’s a tough call to ban all deepfakes. Public figures and celebrities should be open to parody and satire. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have a job. TikTok’s new rules are expected to begin April 21st.

We’ll see if the company is still in business by then. TikTok doesn’t pilfer any more or less data than any other social network or Google. Shou Chew’s performance in front of Congress will set the stage for TikTok’s future.