TikTok has announced new restrictions that will ban users under 18 from using beauty filters that alter their facial features. This move is in response to growing concerns about the impact of such filters on teenagers’ mental health and self-esteem. The changes, set to roll out globally in the coming weeks, will target filters like “Bold Glamour,” which smooths skin and reshapes facial features, leaving young users feeling pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
Also Read: TikTok to Ban Beauty Filters for Users Under 18 Amid Mental Health Concerns
While filters for comedic purposes, such as animal ears, will remain accessible to teens, the more manipulative beauty filters will be blocked. This policy follows findings from Internet Matters, a child safety organization, which reported that these filters contribute to a distorted self-image among teens.
TikTok’s Safety and Well-being Public Policy Lead, Dr Nikki Soo, emphasized that the goal is to reduce social pressure and promote healthier habits online. The platform is also working on improving age verification through automated systems to ensure that the restrictions are effective.
This new policy comes amid rising regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the UK under the upcoming Online Safety Act. It marks a broader trend toward prioritizing user safety on social media platforms, with other apps like Instagram and Roblox introducing similar measures.
