TikTok is testing something new that will allow users to restrict livestreams to viewers under 18 years of age and above, according to TechCrunch. The new setting will be limited with select users.
Watchful.ai also showed screenshots of the new setting, which revealed a "mature themes" button. It notes that "only viewers 18 and above can see your LIVE" if you turn it on.
Once the setting is on, it will notify you that LIVE videos tagged 18+ will still be removed if they violate the app's community guidelines. It's also important to note that this new restriction doesn't mean that users on the platform can broadcast adult content. Instead, the setting is being tested for creators to prevent minors from encountering content geared toward an adult audience or may be uninteresting to them.
Also Read: TikTok's Clear Mode Feature Built for Distraction-Free Experience
Better Targeted Content
This new setting comes after the platform said it wants to start identifying which content is apt for younger and older teens versus adults. TikTok also said that it's developing a system that will identify and restrict certain types of content from being accessed by teens and that it would ask creators to specify when the content is more apt for an adult audience.
The platform also made it clear that they wouldn't go as far as showing "displayable" ratings or labels on videos. Instead, they plan to rely on categorization on their back end that will allow creators to tag their own content.
Also, the company said users may be able to choose which "comfort zones" they want to see in the app. While parents and guardians will be able to use the existing Family Pairing parental control feature that will enable them to make decisions on behalf of their minor children who use the platform.
More Restrictions Across Social Media Platforms Today
This new setting comes in the wake of several social media platforms taking new actions to clean up content that is inappropriate for minors.
Social media safety plays a crucial role today. While younger teens may be able to use social media platforms, they may be exposed to content that people who are older may dislike.
With increasing use by younger people, safety is paramount. This is especially true on platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, that have always been abuzz with discussions of inappropriate, dangerous, shocking or offensive content that could be accessed by minors. That's why platforms like TikTok are looking to ensure that their content is just as safe.TikTok is just one of the many social media networks that's beginning to adopt stricter content controls for its users.
It's a good sign that all these platforms are taking the initiative, especially that they are all coming out with new features to provide more safety options to users who may not be mature enough to see all the content that's out there.
Related Article: New TikTok Community Guidelines Bans Content Posted By Users Below 16 Years Old!
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Written by April Fowell
