Enhanced Safety and Privacy Controls for Teenagers on TikTok

TikTok is introducing enhanced safety and privacy controls for teenagers aged 13-17. These changes are designed to prioritize the safety, privacy, and well-being of the TikTok community.

Direct Messaging Privacy Settings

For users aged 16-17, their Direct Messaging setting will now be set to 'No One' by default. They will need to actively switch to a different sharing option in order to message others. Existing accounts that have never used Direct Messaging before will receive a prompt to review and confirm their privacy settings the next time they use this feature. These updates build upon our current messaging protections, such as not allowing images or videos to be sent in messages and disabling messaging for accounts under the age of 16.

Choosing Who Can Watch Videos

TikTok wants to help teenagers understand the importance of choosing who can watch their videos. When teenagers under the age of 16 are ready to publish their first video, a pop-up will appear asking them to choose who can watch the video. They will not be able to publish their video until they make a selection. Going forward, creators can decide who can watch their videos before posting. Accounts aged 13-15 are set to private by default, and private accounts can choose to share their content with Followers or Friends, as the 'Everyone' setting is turned off. Additionally, features like Duet and Stitch are disabled for accounts under 16.

Downloads for Teenagers Aged 16-17

To provide additional context, TikTok is helping teenagers aged 16-17 understand how downloads work. If they choose to allow others to download their videos, they will receive a pop-up asking them to confirm that choice. It is important to note that downloads are permanently disabled for content from accounts under the age of 16.

Mindful Approach to Push Notifications

TikTok takes a mindful approach to push notifications, prioritizing the well-being of community members, especially younger teens. Features like Screen Time Management can be enabled by account holders or parents through Family Pairing. TikTok aims to help younger teens develop positive digital habits early on. Based on consultations with leading pediatric experts and youth well-being advocates, changes have been made to reduce the time period during which younger teens can receive push notifications. Accounts aged 13-15 will not receive push notifications from 9pm, and accounts aged 16-17 will have push notifications disabled starting at 10pm.

These changes are part of TikTok's ongoing commitment to protect the safety, privacy, and well-being of the community. TikTok continues to work with teens, community organizations, parents, and creators to innovate and improve the platform.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months. To learn more about TikTok's efforts to support youth and families, you can read our Guardian's Guide.