TikTok is banning beauty filters for users under 18 in response to growing concerns about the negative impact of unrealistic beauty standards on teenagers' mental health and self-esteem. This move aligns with recent legislation in the UK and EU aimed at protecting young users online.
The ban comes after studies have shown how social media can fuel self-doubt and body image issues among young people. As body image expert Dr. Jasmine Fardouly noted:
It’s promoting a beauty ideal that’s not attainable for you, it’s not attainable for anyone, really, because nobody looks like that. Everybody’s faces are being made to look the exact same way.
Filters that artificially enhance features like eyes, lips, and skin tone will be blocked for users aged 13 to 17. This restriction will specifically target filters like "Bold Glamour" that create effects beyond the scope of traditional makeup.
Furthermore, TikTok is working to improve age verification and prevent under-13 users from accessing the platform, as they are already prohibited. Chloe Setter, TikTok's child safety policy lead, explained:
Before the end of the year, it will launch a trial of new automated systems that use machine learning to detect people cheating its age restrictions. We’re hoping that this will give us the ability to detect and remove more and more quickly.
TikTok's initiative is a welcome step towards mitigating the harmful effects of social media on young people and promoting a healthier online environment.
