TikTok is making some modifications to its Community Guidelines. In addition to strengthening its response to bullying, TikTok will also mask graphic content with warning screens.
TikTok Enhances Existing Community Guidelines
TikTok outlined a "refreshed" Community Guidelines in a post on the TikTok Newsroom. While it technically didn't reveal any brand new rules, it simply added clarification to the existing guidelines.
More specifically, the app has provided more detail regarding harassment and bullying. TikTok's guidelines now clearly state that doxxing and cyberstalking aren't acceptable. The app updated its response to sexual harassment reports as well.
New Safety Features Come to TikTok
The warning screen is perhaps TikTok's most significant change. After the app struggled to contain a graphic video that went viral on the platform, the warning label will definitely help prevent similar instances from happening in the future.
Now, TikTok will present you with an "opt-in viewing screen" for any videos that may be "graphic or distressing." Although these videos are filtered out of your For You feed by default, it saves users from encountering potentially disturbing content elsewhere on the platform.
TikTok will also start directing struggling users to mental health resources. If someone searches for phrases, such as "selfharm" or "hatemyself," TikTok will display a list of mental health organizations that they can contact, as well as tips they can use to improve their mental health.
In terms of accessibility features, the platform is also working on a text-to-voice feature that will add captions to TikToks. TikTok previously released epilepsy warnings for videos that contain photosensitive content.
Lastly, TikTok is updating its coronavirus resource hub to include information about the COVID-19 vaccines. You can access the hub from the Discover page, search results, as well as from banners that appear alongside pandemic-related videos.
The hub will now feature answers to commonly asked questions about the vaccine from public health experts, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). So far, this hub has been viewed over two billion times within the past six months.
TikTok's Future Is Still Uncertain
TikTok still keeps trucking along despite the possibility of a potential ban in the US. The platform has been releasing new features and rolling out updates, all while fighting against the US government.
TikTok previously had a time limit to form a deal with Oracle before the app was removed from app stores. However, several deadlines have passed, TikTok still hasn't finalized a deal, and the status of its ban is largely up in the air.