TikTok will now restrict the use of specific beauty filters for users under the age of 18, aiming to mitigate their impact on the mental health of younger audiences.
The platform, which has over a billion users worldwide, recently had issues with regulators, including lawsuits from Brazil and the U.S. state attorneys general, alleging negative effects on minors’ well-being and data privacy violations.
The planned restrictions specifically target filters that alter physical appearance, rather than those designed for playful effects like animal ears. TikTok’s research, supported by external studies, reveals that appearance-altering filters can contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and affect teenagers’ self-esteem.
These changes pertaining to the TikTok beauty filters are expected to roll out globally in the coming weeks, including age-restricted access to appearance effects and additional information to help users understand how such filters modify their appearance.
TikTok is also working to improve guidance for creators of filters to minimise potential harm.
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, currently requires users to be at least 13 years old. But enforcing this age limit through neutral age checks and technology to detect underage accounts has not been enough, regulators still question the effectiveness of these measures.
Each month, the platform removes millions of accounts that fail to meet its age requirements. In collaboration with child safety organisations and other stakeholders, TikTok is exploring enhanced machine learning tools to better identify and moderate underage users.
The platform also continues to expand its initiatives to ensure user safety, including partnerships with NGOs across Europe to provide in-app resources for mental health support.
For instance, users reporting distressing content are now connected to local helplines offering psychological counselling and support. This approach builds on successful pilots in countries like France and aims to offer immediate assistance while harmful content is reviewed and removed.
TikTok has also made strides in strengthening its data security framework in Europe through “Project Clover,” a €12 billion initiative aimed at safeguarding user data. Key successes include the operational launch of a data centre in Norway and the migration of European user data to this facility.
Added to this, independent cybersecurity experts now oversee security gateways to monitor access to sensitive information.
TikTok will now address these issues surrounding user safety, data security, and the well-being of its youngest users. With its continued growth, attracting over 175 million monthly users across Europe, the platform is creating a safer, more transparent digital space for all.
