Yesterday, the company updated its rules on "synthetic media" or deepfakes — digitally manipulated videos that can spread false information. Social media has long been a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Amid growing access to AI tools (see: DALL-E and ChatGPT), TikTok hasn't been able to keep deepfakes off FYPs. Videos have been manipulated to show everything from Joe Rogan selling libido-enhancing supplements to President Biden singing "Baby Shark." People have also altered porn videos with women's faces for revenge. Now, TikTok wants to make it easier for users to see what's fact or fiction.
What should I look out for?
Starting April 21, all deepfakes on TikTok must be clearly labeled — either through a sticker on the video or caption that reads "not real," "synthetic," or "altered." TikTok had already banned misleading deepfakes about world events. But it's taking its policy further by banning altered videos that use the images of private figures and minors. TikTok says the changes are to help "strike a balance between freedom of expression and preventing harm." However, the policy updates come as the ring light's been shining extra bright on the social media app.
What do you mean?
The Biden admin wants ByteDance — TikTok's owner — to sell the app amid growing security concerns involving Americans' data. Lawmakers in the US, EU, and parts of Asia have banned TikTok from government devices. Tomorrow, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to appear before Congress. He's going to be making the case that it's safe for the app to stay in more than 150 million Americans' phones. He'll likely get questions about the app's consumer privacy and data security practices, its impact on kids, and its ties to the Chinese government.
theSkimm
What happens on TikTok doesn't stay on TikTok. Much of the platform's content makes its way into other social media apps...including deepfake videos. While TikTok aims to contain misinformation with its new guidelines, it still has a growing list of issues to address.
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Hormonal contraceptives. Yesterday, researchers published a study that found all types of hormonal contraceptives are tied to an increased risk of breast cancer. Previous research has suggested that birth control with estrogen and progestogen can lead to a slightly higher risk of the cancer. But there hasn't been enough research on progestogen-only contraception, which has become a popular option. Now, this study has found that the number of hormones in birth control doesn't reduce the risk of breast cancer. The study revealed that those who used progestogen-only birth control like IUDs or the "mini-pill" had a 20% to 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer. It also found that that risk dropped in the years after a woman stopped taking the contraceptive.
A note from the authors: Researchers said they hope women don't see the numbers and turn-off their birth control pill alarm, adding there are "well-established benefits of contraceptive use."
What's a growing problem in the US…
An animal tranquilizer. Earlier this week, the Drug Enforcement Administration warned about the rising threat of xylazine. The tranquilizer has sedative effects similar to an opioid. But because it isn't one, naloxone doesn't work in reversing its effects. Combining xylazine with fentanyl makes it even deadlier. The DEA said it has seized fentanyl and xylazine mixtures in almost every state. The CDC said more than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses between August 2021 to August 2022. Almost 70% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Now, the DEA warns xylazine "is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced."
…Oh and speaking of growing concerns, a new CDC report found that clinical cases of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus, tripled from 2020 to 2021. The fungus can be dangerous to those with compromised immune systems.
What might ruffle some feathers…
Lab-grown chicken. Yesterday, the FDA marked GOOD Meat's lab-grown chicken safe to eat. Many companies have been working to get lab-grown meat on the market — clucking about the environmental benefits. GOOD Meat's been selling the product in Singapore since 2020. Now, it still has to get approval from the US Department of Agriculture before its 'chicken' can hit shelves. This redefines the whole 'what came first: the chicken or the egg?' debate.
The courtroom. Yesterday, actress Gwyneth Paltrow was in court for a hit-and-run skiing accident in 2016. A retired optometrist is accusing Paltrow of crashing into him, leaving him seriously injured. He's seeking $300,000 in damages. Paltrow has countersued for $1 and legal fees.
…Oh and speaking of courtrooms, Bad Bunny's ex-girlfriend is suing the artist for $40 million. She says he used her voice recording without her permission in two hit songs: "Pa Ti" and "Dos Mil 16."
AI has entered every chat lately. And now, thanks to Revela, it can amp up your skin and hair care routine too. They used AI and biotechnology to discover new molecules that revive dormant hair follicles and support pro-collagen biopathways in your face. Get in on it with…
This skin elasticity booster.It's packed with their latest discovery: a molecule that outperforms retinol without any of the side effects.
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State of Women
theSkimm's State of Women report revealed that 74% of millennial women agree that society "treats women like second-class citizens." So where do we even start to make a change?
We spoke with experts about how we can get sh*t done. Whether it's blocking time on your cal to read up on the issues that matter most you, contacting your elected officials, or rallying your friends and networks to join you, it's the small steps that are the most effective for bringing about big societal change. Because remember: It all adds up. To read more and get involved, head here.
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Recyclable sneakers that look good and do good. This brand makes comfy, durable kicks that are vegan, stain-proof, and water resistant. Pro tip: Send them your old clothing, bedding, towels, and shoes and get $$ toward future purchases. Psst…here's 25% off.*
2. A game-changing device that can help you sleep more and stress less. This neuroscientist- and physician-developed wearable uses low-frequency sound waves that feel like soothing vibrations to help rebalance your nervous system. So you can stay calm and catch better Zzz's. Here's $40 off.*
3. Handy products you'll be glad to have on rainy days. From games to play inside to waterproof rain boots that'll keep you dry outside, we have you covered (literally).
4. Gifts for tea lovers. Lots of people swear by coffee, but we want to give some love to the tea drinkers in our lives too. Cheers to that.
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Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Leading the convo…Cerissa B (AL). Her proposal, titled "The Myths and Realities of Mental Health," has been picked out of nearly 800 for the NAMICon Express Talk this summer.
(Some) Birthdays…Dan Allen (NY), Monica Cincotta (NY), Michelle Lucero (NY), Julia Engelbrecht (NY), Chelsea Sterrett (CA), Jodie Kitain (NY), Charlene Short (CO), David Perlin (NY), Jill Everett (NC), Britta Joy (MT), Rachel Lee (NJ), Catherine Rapp (TN), Marikit Tomlinson (TX), Jaeda Porter (CO), Laura Mungo (VA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by Sheldon Cooper/SOPA via Getty Images, Brand Partners, Stocksy
