TikTok has announced it will restrict the availability of certain appearance-altering filters for individuals under the age of 18. The platform, currently facing lawsuits in 14 U.S. states for its role in exacerbating mental health issues among youth, is rolling out this initiative as part of its broader effort to protect vulnerable users from harmful content.
TikTok’s Restriction on Appearance Filters
Starting this week, TikTok will limit access to “some appearance effects” for its younger audience. The company has been vague about which filters will be affected, leading to questions about the true scope of the restrictions. Critics have long argued that beauty filters—while popular—perpetuate unrealistic body image expectations, particularly among teenagers who are still developing their sense of self.
A Step Towards Transparency
In addition to limiting access, TikTok is taking steps to increase transparency about the effects these filters have on users’ appearances. The company plans to enhance filter information, ensuring users understand the changes being made to their visual presentation. There will also be updated guidelines for creators in the TikTok Effects House, encouraging them to consider the potential harm their filters could cause.
TikTok’s Effort to Identify Underage Users
On top of these appearance filter restrictions, TikTok is exploring machine learning technology to better detect and remove accounts run by users under the age of 13. The company claims to remove six million suspected underage accounts each month, and the new system aims to improve accuracy by sending flagged accounts to human moderators for review. The UK will be the first country to see the machine learning testing, while the appearance filter restrictions are expected to roll out globally in the coming months.
For more information, visit Engadget’s article.