Content Moderation
Ongoing coverage on Content Moderation.
Latest coverage
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.
VPNs are under fire, as new UK government survey says 22% of kids are using them
A UK government survey indicates that 22% of children have used a VPN in the past three months, primarily for privacy, accessing region-locked content like Netflix, or adult material. The survey also highlights that online games and gaming communities are the most common platforms lacking mandatory age checks. The government plans to use these findings to inform future policy development regarding online safety and VPN usage.
Roblox responds to backlash over classic clothing changes "unifying" requirements for 2D and 3D
Roblox is implementing new requirements for 2D and 3D avatar items to create a safer marketplace, including ID verification and a revised upload fee. Initially set at 200 Robux, the upload fee has been reduced by 60% to 80 Robux following community backlash. The company stated that 2D clothing is not being phased out and that these changes aim to improve content safety and creator accountability.
Persona 4 Revival changes some of Yosuke's controversial scenes: "We wanted to lighten that up and make it a little bit more fitting for the world we live in now"
Persona 4 Revival producer Kazuhisa Wada has stated that Yosuke's character will undergo changes to better fit contemporary societal norms. While the core story remains intact, specific dialogue and interactions involving Yosuke will be adjusted to be less insensitive. These modifications aim to address controversial elements that have aged poorly since the original Persona 4's release.
"We have to have free human expression in some capacity": Patreon CEO shares frustrations about getting adult content past payment processors
Patreon CEO Jack Conte expressed frustration with payment processors like Stripe and Mastercard, who dictate policies on 'adult content' and threaten to withhold services. This pressure has led platforms like Steam and Itch.io to change their policies, impacting creators. Conte highlighted Patreon's efforts to build leverage through a 'hot-swappable payments architecture' to better support artists on the platform, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges in navigating these complex financial and content regulations.
After Belfast riots, UK reminds social platforms they're obligated to remove hateful content
The UK's communications regulator has reminded social media platforms of their obligation to minimize hateful content. This reminder follows recent riots in Belfast, emphasizing the platforms' duty to prevent the spread of hate speech.
Snap will no longer allow younger teens' Spotlight videos to be publicly viewable
Snap will no longer allow videos from users under 16 to be publicly viewable on its Spotlight feature. This change aims to enhance safety for younger users on the platform.
You can make the hyper-violence in Marvel's Wolverine more PG-13, if you want to
Marvel's Wolverine will feature adjustable violence settings, allowing players to opt for a more PG-13 experience if desired. This feature offers players control over the game's intense hyper-violence.
"What the f*** do I pay you for if that’s your opinion?" Gabe Newell reportedly once shouted at one of Valve's Lionel Hutzes during Steam porn debate
Valve boss Gabe Newell reportedly reacted strongly to a debate about allowing pornographic content on Steam, yelling at general counsel Karl Quackenbush. The incident is part of a broader discussion on Valve's corporate culture, stemming from an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by Wolfire Games. Newell testified in the suit, denying Steam has a monopoly and asserting customers have numerous purchasing choices.
