According to the latest announcement, the Tiktok platform will limit the use of beauty filters and appearance-changing effects for users under 18 years old, starting in the UK and expanding globally.
Beauty filters have become an integral part of the social media experience. However, TikTok recognizes that these effects can put unnecessary pressure on young people, especially unrealistic beauty standards.
In the new move, the platform will require filters to clearly disclose how they alter a user's appearance, and creators in Effects House will also have to adhere to stricter guidelines.
TikTok also deploys machine learning to detect and remove accounts that may belong to users under the age of 13, with around 6 million accounts being removed each month. This is part of TikTok’s commitment to making the online environment safer. Christine Grahn, TikTok’s director of public policy and government relations, revealed that the company has invested nearly €2 billion this year in community protection measures.
TikTok is currently facing pressure from lawsuits in 14 states in the US over the platform’s negative impact on the mental health of young people. Many question whether these changes are just a “beautification” measure or are truly aimed at protecting children. However, this is still a positive sign, demonstrating TikTok’s efforts to deal with the challenges posed by modern society.
The changes, which are expected to be rolled out more widely in the coming months, mark a step forward in creating a safer online environment that will help teens feel more confident in their self-worth and reduce the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards.
