TikTok Restricts Appearance-Altering Effects for Users Under 18

TikTok has implemented measures to safeguard young users by now restricting access to appearance-altering effects for those under 18.

TikTok Initiative for Youth Mental Health

In response to the rising concerns about beauty filters on social media and their impact on youth mental health, TikTok, a platform widely popular among teens, has announced new measures to restrict access to appearance-altering filters for users under 18.

Restrictions and Greater Transparency

TikTok aims to limit the use of “certain appearance effects” for this age group. While the specifics are somewhat vague, it signifies the company’s commitment to addressing this sensitive issue. Additionally, TikTok plans to require more detailed disclosures about the modifications each filter applies to a user’s appearance. Alongside these changes, TikTok also intends to update the guidelines for creators of its “TikTok Effects House” to reflect the potential impact of certain filters.

Combatting Under-13 Accounts

Furthermore, TikTok has expressed a commitment to identify and ban users under 13 years old, deleting six million suspect accounts globally each month. To enhance this effort, TikTok plans to employ machine learning to detect accounts potentially operated by individuals under 13, which would then be reviewed by a moderator for confirmation.

A TikTok spokesperson confirmed that this new approach will initially be tested in the United Kingdom, with the filter restrictions and updated guidelines expected to be rolled out globally in the coming weeks and months.