TikTok Removes Over 1.1M Videos, 520K Underage Accounts in South Africa

Proactive AI-driven moderation is scaling platform content enforcement, addressing harmful material and underage users more rapidly. This approach, emphasized by the high rate of AI-detected violations, points to an industry-wide shift towards automated content governance. The integration of C2PA Content Credentials and watermarking for AI-generated content sets a precedent for transparency standards. Future developments will likely focus on the efficacy and accuracy of these AI systems, particularly as platforms navigate evolving regulatory pressures and content provenance challenges.

TikTok's recent enforcement report aligns with broader efforts to regulate AI-generated content and enhance online safety. In May 2026, TikTok and Universal Music Group renewed their licensing agreement, specifically committing to remove unauthorized AI-generated music and improve artist attribution (TechCrunch, May 2026). This deal followed UMG temporarily pulling its music catalog from TikTok in 2024 due to disputes over AI-generated music and copyright, highlighting the increasing pressure on platforms to formalize governance frameworks for AI content.

Simultaneously, other platforms are tightening their policies. Gate News reported in April 2026 that TikTok removed over 538,000 AI-generated unauthorized videos globally and penalized more than 4,000 accounts. The platform is prioritizing enforcement against AI deepfakes, voice cloning, impersonation, and unauthorized commercial use of celebrity likenesses (Gate News, April 2026). WeChat updated its public platform standards in April 2026, prohibiting accounts from using AI or automated tools to replace human creators. Violations can lead to content deletion or account suspension. Red Fruit Short Drama also reported removing over 1,700 non-compliant animated series in Q1 2026 due to unauthorized AI material (Gate News, April 2026).

These developments underscore a growing industry focus on AI-driven moderation and content provenance. TikTok announced in March 2026 that it is testing an 'AI-generated content control' feature, allowing users to tailor the amount of AIGC they see in their feeds (TikTok Newsroom, March 2026). The company also committed $2 million to an educational fund for experts to create content about responsible AI, further indicating a push towards greater transparency and user education around AI-generated media.