TikTok takes a stand: AI to end unsafe filters for teens

End of beautifying filters on TikTok - at least for underage users. Special overlays that excessively enhance beauty, enlarge eyes, reduce noses, or apply heavy make-up will not be available to teenagers. These changes were announced during a special security forum in Dublin.

The filters in the app can be divided into several categories, primarily those created for purely humorous purposes, like adding cat ears or funny make-ups, and those aimed at enhancing the user's appearance. Recently, when a filter is used, the app displays a special note with the name of the overlay on the video. Now, TikTok has decided to take further action. The changes to the platform are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks.

The new rules are a response to widespread concerns that beautifying filters provided by TikTok, and created by its users, exert pressure and impose unrealistic demands on teenagers, particularly girls. This can lead to serious mental health issues among young people.

"Users must feel safe using the platform without problems. It's crucial for our company," said Christine Grahn, Head of Government Relations and Public Policy. Beautifying filters, such as "Bold Glamour," will therefore be unavailable to all users of the platform under 18 years of age.

Interestingly, representatives of the platform admitted that the idea of banning certain filters or placing appropriate annotations on videos was discussed with the TikTok Youth Council. "Teenagers want to know when the image they are watching has been edited or manipulated. They claim that the more frequently they see descriptions, the less they use filters themselves," was stated during the Dublin security forum.

The question remains: what happens in cases where a child lies when creating an account, enters a false birth date, and gains access to TikTok? The platform claims it has solutions. During the forum in Dublin, it was announced that TikTok will adopt an even stricter approach to age verification.

It is planned that by the end of the year, new automated systems will be deployed to detect people bypassing age restrictions. Currently, if a user states they are under 13 when creating an account, they will automatically be prevented from creating additional profiles.

If the user meets the age requirements, they are automatically sorted into one of the "buckets." Accounts for users under 18 years are automatically set to private, have a time limit for using the app, and cannot conduct live broadcasts. Accounts for users under 16 years old have messaging disabled, and their videos cannot be recommended.

Creating an account with false information is not difficult. TikTok representatives have announced that artificial intelligence will be used for additional verification. Machines will analyse profiles and remove accounts if suspected of violating the rules. "We know they lie and will lie. Each quarter, we remove about 20 million accounts suspected of belonging to children," revealed Valiant Richey, Director of Outreach and Partnerships. In cases of error in determining a user's age, an appeal can be made against the decision of the automation.

"There is no final line in these matters. In age moderation, we adhere to the principle of 'safety above all.' We hope that, with this approach, we will be able to detect and remove accounts that should not be on the platform more quickly," said Chloe Setter, TikTok's Head of Public Policy for Child Safety.

The changes occurring on TikTok are only part of a broader movement towards improving online safety for children. Instagram has also introduced its own solutions for teenage accounts. Holders of such profiles will be unable to send messages to strangers. Restrictions on sensitive content will be active. Furthermore, just like on TikTok, the account will automatically be set to private.