TikTok Implements New Protections for Young Users in EU

As the Australian Government pushes forward with legislation to accurately identify online users' ages, social media giant TikTok recently revealed the magnitude of the task, revealing that each month around 6 million accounts worldwide are removed due to failing to meet its minimum age requirement. Developed from TikTok's latest machine-learning identifiers and detection processes, these figures undoubtedly represent a fraction of underage users attempting to flout platform rules. The reveal forms part of TikTok's concerted effort to bolster user safety within Europe, revealing tools to protect young users from potential harm within the application. As part of a suite of updates, TikTok has also disclosed partnerships with several European NGOs, offering in-app integration connecting users with mental health support and resources when reporting harmful or distressing content. The company will also restrict certain appearance changing effects usage, mainly amongst teens under 18, following recent research into teen engagement with social media. The same study emphasized concerns over the potentially negative impact 'beauty filters' may have on young girls' body images, suggesting greater regulations surrounding filter usage. TikTok has long grappled with young teen user infiltration, with one-third of US users reportedly under 14. TikTok has a 13-year minimum age requirement, however, with both Australia and other countries considering legislation to increase this to 16, TikTok along with other platforms are under increasing pressure to improve age identification measures and restrict underage access. Balancing such measures with the exertion of potentially hefty penalties within countries such as Australia is expected to be a significant challenge.