TikTok will block beauty filters for teenagers due to concerns for their mental health.

The social network TikTok has decided to restrict access to beauty filters for users under the age of 18 due to the potential impact on their anxiety and self-esteem. According to news from The Guardian, users younger than 18 are prohibited from using filters that alter the shape of their eyes, lips, or skin color. However, humorous effects such as bunny ears or dog noses will remain available.

Additionally, the company intends to strengthen measures to block access for users younger than 13 to its services. New automated detection systems will provide a more effective process for removing accounts that violate age restrictions.

The main goal of these measures is to protect teenagers from unrealistic beauty standards that can negatively affect their self-esteem and cause anxiety. According to TikTok representatives, about 20 million accounts are already removed quarterly due to age restriction violations, and new machine learning systems will make this process even more efficient.

It is noted that these changes are taking place against the backdrop of preparing for the introduction of a new Online Safety Bill in the United Kingdom, which proposes stricter regulations for underage social media users.

Earlier, the government of Canada demanded to close TikTok's representation in the country due to security concerns. The European Commission has also launched an investigation into the negative impact of the recommendation algorithms of TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat on users' mental health. Apparently, these platforms can contribute to the spread of misinformation and content that promotes self-harm.

The deputy head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine previously expressed concerns about TikTok, which she considers more dangerous than the messaging app Telegram.