TikTok is testing an opt-in AI likeness detection tool that scans for AI-generated likenesses and allows creators to report them to the company, as spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra. Initially rolled out to “some” US creators, TikTok’s US spokesperson Zachary Kizer confirms the test via The Verge, echoing YouTube’s recent rollout of a similar tool available to all adult users.

Creators participating in TikTok’s trial must verify their identity with Jumio, requiring a real-time selfie scan and ID check. While TikTok promises not to retain the ID documents, the facial information gathered might still be stored, raising questions about data privacy and the extent of AI’s influence on creator verification processes.

The tool’s initial focus on US creators suggests that global standards for AI likeness detection are still evolving, with potential regional variations in implementation. This mirrors YouTube’s broader rollout, hinting at a convergence in social media platforms’ approaches to distinguishing human from AI-generated content, but TikTok’s opt-in model may limit early adoption rates.

Moreover, the reliance on Jumio for identity verification introduces an additional layer of cost and complexity for creators, especially smaller ones who might struggle with the real-time selfie scan requirement. This could create a tiered system where only those willing or able to invest in AI likeness detection truly benefit, leaving others in a less AI-savvy ecosystem. The playful “AI vs. Human” competition on TikTok may thus begin with a few tech-savvy creators leading the pack, while many lag behind until the tool becomes more accessible and intuitive.