TikTok is upping security for younger users. The platform rolled out a series of changes for underage users, and that includes making their accounts private by default.

TikTok Strengthens Privacy for Its Younger Audience

In a post on the TikTok Newsroom, the platform announced several changes coming to the privacy settings for the accounts of younger teens on the app. The platform noted that it aims to "provide them with age-appropriate privacy settings and controls."

Now, any users between the ages of 13 and 15 will have a private account by default. This means that their accounts and videos will only be visible to their followers. Young users also have to approve who follows them, so not just anyone can view their profiles.

In addition, TikTok is also putting limits on who can comment on videos created by users between 13 and 15. Young users can choose to allow only friends to comment on their videos, or they can restrict comments altogether. According to TikTok, it's doing away with the setting that allows everyone on the app to comment on young users' videos.

TikTok made a few adjustments to other default settings as well. It will now automatically turns off the Suggest your account to others feature for underage users. The platform is also banning the download of videos created by users younger than 16.

TikTok is also restricting the creation of Duets and Stitches to users age 16 and older, and is doing the same for direct messaging and live stream hosting as well.

TikTok Also Makes Changes for Older Teens

Changes are coming to the accounts of users between the ages of 16 and 17 as well. By default, their accounts won't allow any users to download their videos. Teens will have to turn this feature on manually in order to enable it.

Lastly, TikTok is now "restricting the buying, sending, and receiving of virtual gifts to users 18 and over."

TikTok expanded its Family Pairing feature in November 2020, allowing parents to have more control over their child's account. But even if a parent decides not to use the Family Pairing feature, it's clear that TikTok has strengthened the privacy features for teenagers regardless.

Is TikTok Safe for Kids?

It seems that TikTok is taking safety seriously for underage users. Rolling out these default privacy settings will definitely help keep kids safe, and will also prevent kids from unknowingly having public profiles.

Despite these enhanced settings, it's still important to keep an eye on your child's TikTok account. You might want to look into the Family Pairing feature for an extra layer of safety.