TikTok restricts beauty filters to users under 18

TikTok has introduced new safety measures to protect the platform's young users. In the coming weeks, users under the age of 13 will be unable to sign up for the application. The business will enforce the change by prohibiting users from creating new accounts with alternative dates or birth dates, as well as utilising advanced technology to detect and review accounts that appear to be created by an underage user.

Users under 18 will be prevented from utilising the platform's beauty filters. With the new restriction in place, you must be over 13 years old to sign up for TikTok and over 18 to utilise the platform's face-altering filters.

Those under 18 will be unable to utilise filters that alter their appearance by widening their eyes, smoothing their skin, or improving their skin tone. The restrictions will not apply to filters designed to be "obvious and funny (e.g., animal ear effects)." According to reports, the adjustments are likely directed at beauty filters like "Bold Glamour," which dramatically affects a user's visage by reducing the facial structure, whitening the complexion, and adding longer eyelashes.

TikTok conducted research in collaboration with the UK-based online safety non-profit organisation Internet Matters to develop these solutions. The study was carried out to determine the potential harm to teenagers caused by impacts and filters. The survey stated that "beautifying filters contributed to a distorted worldview in which perfected images are normalised," and that social pressure had a substantial impact on teen mental health on the platform.

The adjustments were made public in TikTok's European newsroom and revealed during the European Safety Forum in Dublin. So, it is unclear whether these changes will apply to other regions or if these are for the 175 million people in Europe who use TikTok every month.