TikTok has announced plans to restrict the usage of filters that alter one’s appearance to users under the age of 18 years.
In a report, TikTok stated that the decision followed feedback from market research it carried out to determine the role of online platforms in shaping the identity of teenagers.
According to the report, parents and teens feel that the filters erode a sense of authenticity and belonging.
Filters erode a sense of authenticity
“The final report published today, told us that young people and parents saw benefit in being authentic online, and recognized the positive impact of belonging and connection online. They thought these traits could have a helpful influence on young people’s broader well-being,” read the report in part.
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Also, the report indicated that the parents and teen have no issue with effects that are designed to be obvious and funny such as animal ear effect, but are concerned about appearance effects, including those that viewer might not realize have been altered.
In response to the insights of the report, TikTok will be rolling out changes globally to effects in the coming weeks. It will also be providing more information about how an effect might change their appearance if applied.
TikTok to roll out changes globally
The platform will also be refreshing their resources for people developing effects for TikTok Effects House to ensure that they enhance awareness and understanding of some of the unintended outcomes that certain effects may pose.
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The platform has come under sharp criticism over the recent past over its the impact on minors. 14 attorneys general from the United States sued the platform over obtaining children’s data without consent and alleged that it impacts minors’ mental health negatively.
TikTok is a U.S. company owned by the Chinese conglomerate ByteDance and has more than a billion users around the world.
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