TikTok recently announced new measures to restrict the use of appearance-changing filters for users under the age of 18. This decision comes amidst ongoing trials in 14 states in the United States, where the company faces allegations of negatively impacting the mental health of adolescents.
The new restrictions include limiting certain visual effects for this age group. TikTok also plans to provide more detailed information on how filters alter appearance and update recommendations for content creators through its TikTok Effects House platform. These changes are aimed at mitigating potential harm associated with the use of filters, although the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
Furthermore, TikTok is ramping up its efforts to combat users under the age of 13. The company currently removes approximately six million accounts each month that it believes belong to children under 13. To enhance accuracy in identifying such accounts, TikTok is testing machine learning technology that will help flag them for verification by moderators. The testing of this system will commence in the UK, while the restrictions on filters and updated content creator recommendations will be rolled out globally in the upcoming weeks.