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TikTok CEO explains to congress why his kids aren't on the app
Introduction
In a recent congressional hearing, the CEO of TikTok addressed concerns about the app's safety and accessibility for children. He shared insights into the company's differentiated approach towards users of various age groups. The CEO emphasized that parents should engage in conversations with their children to determine what is best for their families.
During the hearing, the TikTok CEO was questioned about the suitability of an eight-year-old accessing the platform. He explained that younger users would have a significantly restricted experience, where every piece of content they encounter would be vetted by Common Sense, a third-party child safety expert. Additionally, children would be unable to post their own content and would not see personalized feeds or any advertisements. The CEO expressed confidence that this would create a safe environment for younger users.
When asked why he wouldn't allow his own eight-year-old child on TikTok, he clarified that his children live in Singapore, where the under-13 experience is not available. He indicated that if they were in the United States, he would be more inclined to allow them to explore the app’s under-13 version.
The CEO further elaborated on the differing mechanisms in place across countries. He pointed out that TikTok aims to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all its users, particularly for those under 13. The company is COPPA compliant in the U.S., which mandates them to create a more controlled experience for younger audiences.
As the dialogue concluded, the CEO made it clear that while TikTok prioritizes safety for younger users, their approach may vary depending on the country’s regulations and existing safety frameworks.
Keywords
- TikTok
- CEO
- Congress
- Children
- Safety
- Common Sense
- Under-13 Experience
- COPPA
- Singapore
- User Experience
FAQ
Q: What measures are in place for children using TikTok?
A: TikTok provides a restricted experience for younger users, with all content vetted by a child safety expert and no personalized feeds or advertisements.
Q: Why does the TikTok CEO allow his children to use the app in the U.S. but not in Singapore?
A: The CEO clarified that his children live in Singapore, where the under-13 experience does not exist. If they lived in the U.S., he would consider letting them use the under-13 version of the app.
Q: What is COPPA, and how does it relate to TikTok?
A: The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. law that imposes certain requirements on operators of websites and online services directed to children under 13. TikTok is compliant with COPPA, ensuring a safer experience for younger users.
Q: Who vets the content for the under-13 experience on TikTok?
A: Content for the under-13 experience is vetted by Common Sense, a third-party child safety expert.