TikTok is now a social media platform used by more than a billion users, bringing it to the attention of 14 US attorneys general, who recently announced that they are suing the company for its negative impact on children’s mental health, as well as on fertility. their data. A subsequent report showed that the company’s own research supported this.
And that’s why TikTok has now announced plans to block the use of certain effects by users under the age of 18 – especially “effects designed to change your appearance.” The move appears to be a response to criticism TikTok has faced about how young users can be affected by these filters: it’s less about cute bunny ears, and more about beauty filters that automatically change a person’s appearance.
TikTok, owned by $300 billion tech giant Bytedane, allows anyone over the age of 13 to become a registered user, according to its terms of service. Those categorized between 13 and 18 may have different and default settings in place. But while the company has tried to enforce these age restrictions through various means, regulators have questioned its effectiveness.
TikTok says these changes will be rolled out “in the coming weeks” to the rest of the world.
