Image by Nordskov Media, from Flickr
TikTok Expands Social Features With New Group Chats And Stickers
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
On August 12, TikTok introduced new group chat features, allowing users to create conversations with up to 32 people. Available to users aged 16 and older, this update aims to streamline social interactions by letting users share TikToks directly with friends within the app, according to The Verge .
In their post , TikTok states that to ensure the safety of younger users, it has implemented specific measures for the Group Chat feature. Users aged 13 to 15 will not have access to Group Chat. Additionally, to ensure that older teens aged 16 to 17 can use this feature safely, TikTok has implemented several safeguards.
Firstly, only friends—users who follow each other—can add someone to a Group Chat. Furthermore, if a teen receives an invitation link to join a group, they can only join if at least one member of the group is a mutual friend. Even then, they must actively choose to join. Additionally, when a teen creates a group conversation, TikTok requires them to review and approve any new participants by default.
Stickers will also be added to Direct Messages. According to the TikTok post, this feature allows users to create and share custom visual elements within their chats.
Along with Stickers, TikTok is introducing a Group Chat feature that allows users to create and join group conversations with up to 32 people. This feature aims to facilitate a shared viewing experience, enabling users to watch, comment on, and react to videos together in real time.
As reported by The Verge, to start a group chat, select the Inbox button, tap on Chat, choose the friends you want to include, and then hit “Start group chat.” However, there are some restrictions: you can only join a group chat if you’re invited by users you follow back. Additionally, if you have disabled messaging from everyone on the platform, you won’t receive any invites.
According to TechCrunch , this latest addition shows that TikTok is aiming to make its platform more social and conversational with friends, rather than just an entertainment space for interacting with strangers.
Image by Rakesh A, from Flickr
Meta And UMG Join Forces To Tackle AI Music Issues
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Reuters reported today that Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music label, has announced an expanded partnership with Meta Platforms Inc. The agreement is set to create new opportunities for UMG artists and songwriters across Meta’s platforms.
TechCrunch reports that a key feature of the new agreement is its focus on addressing unauthorized AI-generated content. This includes the misuse of songs by AI systems, which can scrape and replicate music without the consent of the original creators.
Michael Nash, UMG’s Chief Digital Officer and Executive Vice President, emphasized the importance of protecting artists’ rights. “We look forward to continuing to work together to address unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters so that UMG can continue to protect their rights both now and in the future,” he said in a TechCrunch statement.
Under the new terms, UMG artists will benefit from expanded monetization options, including enhanced features for short-form videos and new opportunities on WhatsApp. Meta’s platforms, known for connecting artists with fans, will integrate licensed music into a wider range of services, including virtual reality experiences and live streaming.
As reported by TechCrunch, this partnership comes after a dispute earlier this year between TikTok and UMG. UMG’s music catalog was removed from TikTok due to concerns about AI and online safety, which UMG highlighted in a statement released in February. The two companies reached a resolution in May, leading to the return of music from artists like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift to the platform.
Meta asserts that it is adopting an ethical approach to AI music by releasing only generative AI models trained on “Meta-owned and specifically licensed music,” according to its website . However, TechCrunch has noted that Meta has acknowledged the potential misuse of AudioCraft to create deepfakes of individuals’ voices.
The expanded partnership between UMG and Meta aims to address unauthorized AI-generated content and offer new monetization opportunities. This collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to align the music industry with evolving social media platforms.
