Tiktok will block filters for under 18s

TikTok affects children and teenagers mentally, and the Chinese video app will set new restrictions: The social media platform that has become an integral part of the lives of young people around the world has announced new restrictions that will prevent the use of certain filters for those under 18.

The move follows growing concerns about the effect of these filters on the self-image of young people and their mental health. This announcement, unveiled at Tiktok’s European safety conference held in Dublin, reflects Tiktok’s fear of harming the emotional state of children and teenagers.

The decision is based on a new study carried out in collaboration with the British organization Internet Matters. The study examined how digital platforms affect the identity of young people.

One of the notable conclusions was the distinction between amusing filters, such as animal ears, and filters that change the appearance realistically.

While the fun filters were seen as positive, filters that affected the appearance raised concerns among teenagers and their parents, especially given that it was often unclear when they were used. Many teenagers reported that these filters reinforce feelings of dissatisfaction with their natural appearance, and this may lead to negative consequences on self-image, to the point of harming mental health.

To address these concerns, TikTok has decided to limit the use of filters that affect appearance to users 18 and older only. In addition, the platform will provide clear information about the effects of these filters. This announcement comes alongside other moves aimed at empowering users and creating a culture of authenticity and respect.

Developers working with the TikTok Effects House platform will receive new guidelines designed to ensure a deeper understanding of the unintended effects of certain filters.

Beyond restrictions on filters, TikTok announced that it continues to develop innovative solutions to deal with harmful content or mental distress among its users. The platform announced the expansion of the mental support services offered through the application, which include referrals to professional organizations in cases of reporting offensive content.

During the pilot conducted in France, for example, it was proven that connecting users to professional support services at the same time as handling their report led to positive results. The move will soon be extended to 13 European countries. The services will include free psychological counseling, emotional support and other resources that can help users in real time.

TikTok also announced that by the end of this year it will invest close to two billion euros in safety initiatives, a process aimed at protecting the 175 million users in Europe. With the new transparency center opened in Dublin, the company aims to lead the industry in joint ventures with external organizations.