TikTok unveiled a significant update to its community guidelines this Wednesday, with the aim of fostering a more wholesome environment for its youthful user base. The social media behemoth intends to implement temporary restrictions on access to the “For You” feed for users who persistently upload content deemed problematic.
Putting the Brakes on “Risk-Prone” Content
This new policy targets a range of topics, including extreme fitness, conspiracy theories, and sexually suggestive material. While technically permissible on the platform, such content will become harder to discover via search functionalities. Furthermore, creators found in violation may face temporary exclusion from the coveted “For You” feed.
Adam Presser, TikTok’s Head of Operations and Safety, explained:
“We are instituting a policy whereby an entire account may be temporarily ineligible for recommendations in the ‘For You’ feed if its creator repeatedly shares content that contravenes our standards for this platform.”
Creators will receive notifications regarding the restriction and have the opportunity to appeal the decision.
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Striking a Delicate Balance Between Freedom of Expression and Responsibility
Scheduled to take effect on May 17, this change marks the first direct action against accounts posting content deemed unsuitable for a broad audience, even if said content doesn’t explicitly violate community guidelines. Consequently, some creators may opt to steer clear of certain topics to avoid the risk of being temporarily hidden from the “For You” feed.
For instance, a fitness influencer might eschew discussing extended intermittent fasting or sharing “Before/After” transformation videos—both ineligible for the “For You” feed. Additionally, TikTok will address instances of “repetitive content patterns,” although such videos will still qualify for inclusion in the feed.
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Responding to Criticism of Harmful Content
TikTok and Instagram have faced prolonged criticism for promoting harmful or objectionable content to their youthful audiences. TikTok began clamping down on “problematic” content in its “For You” feed as early as 2021, and this latest update to the community rules represents a further step in this direction.
Finding the right balance is crucial for TikTok, as it navigates between creators’ freedom of expression and its responsibility towards users. By limiting the visibility of content deemed risky without outright banning it, TikTok aims to offer a healthier, more tailored experience for creators. Ultimately, this new policy could foster the promotion of more positive and nurturing content, particularly for young users.
Source: The Verge