Content Moderation
Ongoing coverage on Content Moderation.
Latest coverage
Telegram keeps getting yanked from the App Store. X never does — here’s why
Apple's App Store moderation policies appear to be applied inconsistently, with Telegram being removed for child sexual abuse material while X faced no delisting for similar deepfake content generated by its AI chatbot, Grok. This disparity is attributed to X's stronger political support in the US and a more direct engagement from Apple with its developers, including Elon Musk, compared to Telegram.
Morning Metaverse
Larian Studios experienced brief content removal from YouTube and TikTok due to alleged 'demonic smut' violations, with a spokesperson for Perez Hilton stating their TikTok livestream was kept up due to moderator error. The article touches on content moderation issues across platforms.
When the Bots Purge the Archive: Reddit’s AI Moderation Erased a Decade of r/AskHistorians Work
Reddit's AI moderation system has caused significant issues, including the deletion of a decade's worth of content from the r/AskHistorians subreddit, mistakenly flagging historical image links as spam. Similar problems have occurred on Discord, where AI incorrectly banned thousands of users for posting images of chessboards, and Meta platforms have faced complaints about AI-driven bans. These incidents highlight the risks of over-reliance on automated systems without sufficient human oversight, particularly concerning false positives that disproportionately affect marginalized communities and silence valuable contributions.
Baldur's Gate 3's official livestream gets banned on YouTube and TikTok. Why? "Demon sex."
Larian Studios' official Baldur's Gate 3 livestream, featuring Senior Communications Director Aoife Wilson playing the Dark Urge origin, was banned on YouTube and TikTok due to 'Body Exposure and Sexualized Behaviors.' The ban occurred during a scene involving an Incubus character. Despite the bans, the team, including Publishing Director Michael Douse, took the incident with humor, viewing it as a badge of honor.
"Baldur's Gate 3 is now cancelled": Larian stream smacked down over "violation" for "Body Exposure and Sexualized Behaviors," which feels like high praise for an RPG
Larian Studios' livestream of Baldur's Gate 3 was discontinued on YouTube due to a violation for 'Body Exposure and Sexualized Behaviors' during a playthrough featuring demonic characters. Publishing director Michael Douse shared the notice, humorously noting the cancellation on the game's third anniversary. The stream remains available on Twitch, with the developer attributing the issue to potential mod interference or a setting error.
Telegram CEO says 'takedown extortionist' was responsible for the app being briefly delisted by Apple
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov claims that a 'takedown extortionist' was responsible for the app being briefly removed from the Apple App Store. Durov stated this incident highlights a potential systemic risk for platforms that host user-generated content.
Developer of 'Spanking Exorcist' game held up by Steam content moderation releases free 'apology game' where you spank him as punishment: 'We would be delighted if you enjoy it'
The developer of the game 'Spanking Exorcist', known as Actor, has released a free 'apology game' where players can simulate spanking the developer. This was done after the original game's release was delayed due to Steam's content moderation policies. 'Spanking Exorcist' has since been released on Steam.
Saturday Metaverse
A leak has surfaced regarding 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', with the article humorously noting the owner of X's resources. Separately, YouTube is reportedly cracking down on ASMR content.
Snapchat Pulls the Plug on Fully AI-Made Videos in Spotlight [Updated]
Snapchat has updated its recommendation system to exclude videos entirely generated by AI from its Spotlight feature. The company aims to prioritize authentic creativity from real people, drawing a distinction between fully AI-generated content and AI-assisted content. This move follows similar industry discussions and actions by platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn regarding AI-generated material.
Snapchat is cracking down on AI slop in Spotlight
Snapchat is implementing a new policy to combat AI-generated content, often referred to as 'AI slop,' within its Spotlight feature. Videos created using artificial intelligence will no longer be featured in the platform's public recommendations.
Nexus Mods announces updated guidelines on generative AI tagging & moderation
Nexus Mods has implemented updated guidelines for generative AI content, introducing new categories and emphasizing proper tagging to avoid moderation actions. The platform aims to clarify the nature of AI-generated mods and prevent misuse of its tagging system.
Morning Legal Briefs
The Trump FCC is facing criticism for its efforts to regulate speech on broadcast television. Separately, a TikToker is under police investigation for secretly filming using Meta's smart glasses.
LinkedIn is testing a 'seems like AI slop' reporting tool
LinkedIn is testing a new reporting tool that allows users to flag content as 'AI slop.' The company is also removing some of its own AI-writing features.
Evening Legal Briefs
New European Union deepfake legislation will require video game developers to be cautious when incorporating real-world individuals into their games. This follows a US court ruling that blocked a Texas law mandating websites filter 'harmful' speech.
Instagram is now banning users who make creepy content with Meta glasses
Meta is implementing a ban on users who engage in harassing or recording behavior with its smart glasses. This policy change aims to address privacy concerns associated with the device.
Dev baffled as Valve pauses their Steam release to painstakingly review "dozens of untextured polygons depicting…
The indie game Future? No Thanks! has been delayed on Steam due to Valve's content review process, which is examining its depiction of nudity. Developer Molleindustria expressed frustration, noting that the mild nudity and the game's demo had previously passed review. The release is now pending the completion of Valve's assessment.
Indie open worlder Future? No Thanks! gets last minute delay after Steam content mods allegedly demand a "watch the sex scene" button
The indie game Future? No Thanks! has been delayed on Steam due to content moderation issues regarding its depiction of nudity and sex scenes. Developer Molleindustria claims Valve's review process has taken over three weeks, exceeding the typical seven business days, and required a special build with a "watch the sex scene" button for reviewers.
Indie game gets last minute Steam delay while Valve reviews its 'dozens of untextured polygons depicting ass and…
The indie political satire game Future? No Thanks! has been delayed on Steam due to an extended review process by Valve concerning its depiction of nudity. Developer Molleindustria, also known as Paolo Pedercini, stated the game's launch was pushed back from July 22nd as Valve assesses the content, which consists of 'dozens of untextured polygons depicting ass and boobs.' This delay highlights ongoing ambiguities in Steam's content moderation policies, particularly regarding adult content.
Morning Metaverse
WhatsApp has blocked Dutch sex workers from using its platform, significantly impacting their income. The decision by the messaging service has drawn attention and criticism, with Reddit being mentioned as a source of information regarding the situation.
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, is investigating TikTok's child safety measures
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has launched an investigation into TikTok's child safety measures. The regulator will assess whether the platform is adequately protecting young users from harmful content.