TikTok is taking a significant step by restricting beauty filters for users under 18. The decision comes after rising concerns about the impact of such filters on teenage mental health and self-esteem.
TikTok is Changing?
The new restrictions, set to roll out globally in the coming weeks, target filters like “Bold Glamour.” These filters alter facial features by smoothing skin, plumping lips, and reshaping eyes. However, filters designed for humor, such as those adding animal ears or exaggerated features, will still be available to teenagers.
Research Behind the Move
This decision follows a report from **Internet Matters**, a children’s online safety non-profit. The report revealed that beauty filters promote unrealistic beauty standards and a “distorted worldview.” Many teenagers, especially girls, admitted feeling pressured to match these altered appearances. Some even described their unfiltered faces as “ugly” after frequent use of such filters.
How TikTok Plans to Enforce It
Dr. Nikki Soo, TikTok’s Safety and Well-being Public Policy Lead for Europe, stated the changes aim to “reduce social pressures” on teenagers. To enforce these restrictions, TikTok plans to use machine learning to verify users’ ages more effectively.
Currently, the platform removes around 20 million accounts every quarter for violating age policies. Despite this, enforcing accurate age checks remains a challenge. Chloe Setter, TikTok’s head of child safety public policy, acknowledged these difficulties but emphasized the company’s “safety-first approach.” Users who believe they were wrongly banned will have the chance to appeal.
Regulations Are Driving Industry Changes
The policy also aligns with stricter laws like the UK’s Online Safety Act. This act will require platforms to implement robust age verification. Other platforms are following similar steps. For example, Roblox recently restricted violent content for younger users, and Instagram introduced “teen accounts” with parental controls.
Experts Call for More Action
Child safety advocates, including Richard Collard of the NSPCC, praised TikTok’s efforts but said more must be done. Andy Burrows of the Molly Rose Foundation added that these changes highlight the need for stronger global regulations.
TikTok’s commitment to ensuring age-appropriate experiences reflects a broader shift in the social media industry. This trend is expected to accelerate as new regulations take effect in 2025.
