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TikTok is rolling out a slew of new safety features, including ‘maturity’ ratings on videos for young users, an algorithm that prevents bulk viewing of problematic content, and the ability to filter in the For You page using words or hashtags.
Tuning your algorithm on TikTok can require a ton of sifting through some pretty sketchy content. Certainly if you were late to the game, like I was.
Despite its impressive rep as the most popular app of 2021, it has faced near constant scrutiny since its launch for a distinct lack of regulatory measures. Only this month, a group of American parents sued the platform after their children died attempting dangerous challenges seen on TikTok.
Although explicit adult content (involving nudity or pornography) is categorically banned, TikTok concedes that some of its videos may contain ‘mature or complex themes that reflect personal experiences or real-world events intended for older audiences.’ After all, with how bleak life can be at times, it’s how we blow off steam.
I can, however, attest to the idea that the app’s algorithms are peculiar at times. Only last week I was inexplicably taken from Love Island and gaming videos to street brawls, for instance. The Wall Street Journal has also demonstrated how the app can push young users down rabbit hole of drug related content.
Thankfully, in order to ensure that younger cohorts are better protected from content they shouldn’t be seeing – theoretically, that is – TikTok is now ready to roll out a slew of safety features that have been in its wheelhouse for some time.
Part of this, a forthcoming system dubbed ‘Content Levels’ aims to classify all uploaded videos with a maturity grade, similar to the age ratings put on movies, TV shows, and games. Those exploring overtly adult themes will have to be above 18.
