TikTok Takes a Stand: Bans Beauty Filters for Users Under 18 Globally

TikTok, the international version of the popular short video app owned by ByteDance, has announced a global ban on beauty filters for users under 18 in response to new legislation in the European Union and the United Kingdom. This move aims to protect mental health by preventing these users from feeling unattractive when comparing their real appearances to heavily edited photos. The policy will be implemented in all countries/regions supported by TikTok, not just in the EU and the UK.

Research indicates that social media users often do not realize they are comparing their real selves to heavily edited images, and beauty filters can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. The unrealistic beauty standards presented online are increasingly difficult for young people to achieve, leading to potential harm.

As a result, TikTok will prohibit users aged 13 to 17 from using beauty filters, including, but not limited to, filters that enlarge eyes, plump lips, smooth skin, or alter skin tone (TikTok is already banned for children under 13). Filters like Bold Glamour, which can alter children’s features in ways makeup cannot, will also be banned for users under 18.

Moreover, TikTok is taking additional steps to seriously enforce youth usage restrictions. By the end of 2024, TikTok plans to launch a new trial of an automated system that uses machine learning to detect age restriction violations, such as falsifying age or using an adult's account to access videos. TikTok aims to swiftly remove content involving children, adhering to regulations prohibiting use by children under 13, despite criticisms from child protection organizations about its age verification efforts.