Enhancing Privacy and Safety for Younger Users on TikTok

Enhancing Privacy and Safety for Younger Users on TikTok\n\nTikTok is committed to prioritizing the privacy and safety of its community, especially younger users. In order to achieve this, TikTok has announced several changes aimed at enhancing default standards for user privacy and safety, specifically for users under the age of 18.\n\n### Enhanced Default Privacy Settings\n\nTikTok is changing the default privacy setting for registered accounts ages 13-15 to private. This means that only approved followers can view their videos. By giving young users control over who can see their content, TikTok aims to empower them to make informed choices about their online presence.\n\n### Tightening Commenting Options\n\nUsers ages 13-15 can now choose between Friends or No One for their account's commenting settings. The Everyone comment setting is being removed to provide a safer environment for younger users.\n\n### Duet and Stitch Settings\n\nThe Duet and Stitch features will now only be available on content created by users age 16 and over. For users ages 16-17, the default setting for Duet and Stitch will be set to Friends.\n\n### Download Restrictions\n\nOnly users 16 and over will be able to allow downloads of their videos. For users ages 16-17, the default setting will be changed to Off unless they decide to enable it.\n\n### "Suggest Your Account to Others" Setting\n\nFor users ages 13-15, the default setting for "Suggest your account to others" will be Off.\n\nThese changes are part of TikTok's ongoing commitment to youth safety. In addition to these changes, TikTok has previously implemented measures such as restricting direct messaging and live streaming to users 16 and over, limiting virtual gift transactions to users below 18, and introducing Family Pairing features for parents to set guardrails on their teen's TikTok experience.\n\nIn the US, TikTok also offers a limited app experience called TikTok for Younger Users, specifically designed for users under 13. This experience provides additional safeguards and privacy protections for a younger audience. TikTok has partnered with Common Sense Networks to further improve this experience and provide guidance on age-appropriate content.\n\nTikTok takes the safety and privacy of its community seriously. The company regularly publishes Transparency Reports and operates Transparency and Accountability Centers to showcase its operations, content moderation, and data security. TikTok is committed to continuously evolving its policies, working with regulators and experts, and investing in technology and teams to ensure TikTok remains a safe platform for everyone to express their creativity.\n\nThese changes have received positive feedback from youth safety experts, including Common Sense Networks, National PTA, ConnectSafely, Family Online Safety Institute, MediaSmarts, NCMEC, and WeProtect Global Alliance. These organizations have expressed support for TikTok's efforts to enhance user privacy and safety, and create age-appropriate defaults.\n\nIn conclusion, TikTok believes that these changes are a significant step forward in promoting the privacy and safety of its younger users. By implementing privacy settings that reflect the maturity and needs of different age groups, TikTok aims to provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for all TikTok users.