TikTok bans beauty filters for users under 18
TikTok has banned beauty filters for users under 18. The new regulation aims to protect the mental health of young people and reduce pressure regarding physical appearance.
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TikTok has taken a radical decision to ensure young people can move away from the pressure of physical appearance. Users under 18 will no longer be able to use beauty filters. The new regulation aims to prevent increasing anxiety and low self-perception among young people. Filters that enlarge eyes, plump lips, and change skin tone are now becoming a thing of the past.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S MENTAL HEALTH AT RISK
Experts emphasize that beauty filters used on social media lead to a perception where young girls, in particular, find their real faces ugly. It is stated that this situation damages self-esteem and causes mental health problems. However, funny and entertaining filters, such as rabbit ears or dog noses, will not be affected by this ban.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN AGE VERIFICATION
TikTok is implementing AI-based age verification systems to enforce the age restriction. Automated systems will be applied by the end of the year to detect false age declarations. Users who are blocked by mistake will be able to appeal to regain access to their accounts. This system specifically aims to restrict access to the platform for users under 13.
PRESSURE FROM THE UK'S ONLINE SAFETY ACT
These steps were taken to comply with regulations such as the Online Safety Act, which will come into force in the United Kingdom in 2024. It is stated that TikTok could face high fines if it fails to comply with these laws. The company plans to take additional measures to make the regulations more transparent.
TRANSPARENCY DEMAND FROM THE MOLLY ROSE FOUNDATION
Molly Rose Foundation CEO Andy Burrows demanded more transparency regarding the effectiveness of TikTok's age verification systems. Furthermore, while the NSPCC evaluates these regulations as a positive step, it argues that more measures must be taken to increase the online safety of young people.
REGULATIONS ON THE WAY FOR OTHER PLATFORMS AS WELL
Following this decision by TikTok, other social media platforms have also begun to take similar security measures:
Roblox is restricting access to violent content for young users.
Instagram has developed new features for parents to better control children's accounts.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Social media has become an area that deeply affects the mental health of young people. TikTok's decision to ban beauty filters is a bold step taken to reduce the negative effects on young people in the digital world. Other platforms are also expected to take similar steps.