TikTok is set to ban filters for under-18s in a move aimed at protecting young people using the platform.
The ban will come into force in the next few weeks and will prevent teens from using ‘beauty’ filters which alter their appearance, such as creating bigger-looking lips.
Humorous filters that create effects such as animal ears and faces will not be affected.
The ban was announced during a safety forum at TikTok’s European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.
It followed a report commissioned by TikTok which assessed the impact that filters have on the self-esteem of young people.
The research, titled Unfiltered, provided accounts from users whose self-image was affected by beauty filters.
“I tested an effect…that would make my lips look bigger,” a statement from an anonymous Swedish user read.
“From never having had anything against my lips before, I can no longer look at them without feeling that they are far too small and should look more like the effect.
“In this way, filters can also give me body complexes and anxiety.”
TikTok said it will be providing more information about how an effect might change a user’s appearance if it is applied.
“This is in addition to already proactively letting users know when certain effects have been used on content,” TikTok said in a statement.
These considerations will also extend to creators developing effects for TikTok Effects House to enhance awareness of the outcomes that certain effects may pose.
The social media goliath will also be tightening restrictions on under-13s using the platform.
It will place restrictions on people’s ability to create another account with a different date of birth if they fail an age check.
TikTok will further implement technology that detects accounts that it suspects belong to someone under 13 and will send them to moderation for review.
“By fostering a culture of authenticity, respect and support, we can create a digital world where everyone feels empowered to be their true self,” TikTok added.
