TikTok Introduces Photosensitivity Features to Make the Platform Safer and More Inclusive

TikTok's mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy to its users. In order to achieve this, the platform is committed to inclusivity and ensuring that people feel safe and inspired to create. As a visual platform, TikTok recognizes the importance of accessibility and is starting this work by introducing a series of photosensitivity features.

To make TikTok more accessible for everyone, the platform has been working closely with epilepsy advocates to gather feedback and improve the platform. As a result of these conversations, a feature was launched a few months ago that warns creators when they produce videos with effects that could trigger photosensitive epilepsy.

In the coming weeks, TikTok will be introducing another important accessibility feature to protect people from photosensitive content. Viewers who come across a photosensitive video will receive a notification inviting them to "Skip All" future photosensitive videos.

Epilepsy is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Flashing lights or contrasting light and dark patterns can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. The initial accessibility changes made by TikTok are designed to make the platform friendlier for everyone, especially those living with epilepsy.

TikTok is collaborating with leading epilepsy organizations in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and South Korea to raise awareness about the new features and epilepsy in general.

The long-term goal of TikTok is to become the most inclusive and accessible online platform. The team is committed to rolling out more product features to support this goal in the future.

Quotes from partners:

Laura Thrall, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation, expressed appreciation for TikTok's initiative in addressing the issue of photosensitive epilepsy and making the platform safer for the epilepsy community.
Geoff Bobb, Executive Director of Epilepsy Toronto, highlighted the difficulties faced by individuals with photosensitive epilepsy on the internet and commended TikTok for creating a safer and more inclusive space for them.
Nicola Swanborough, Acting Head of External Affairs at Epilepsy Society, praised TikTok for recognizing the problem of flashing images and photosensitive content and introducing features to make the platform safer and more accessible for those with epilepsy.
Peter Murphy, CEO of Epilepsy Ireland, welcomed TikTok's efforts to make social media video content safer and more accessible for people with photosensitive epilepsy in Ireland. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the potential dangers of flashing video effects.
Satomi Umemoto, President of the Japan Epilepsy Association, applauded TikTok's thoughtful efforts to create a safe environment for those with photosensitive epilepsy and expressed honor in working with their team.
MD, PhD Kim, Heung Dong, President of the Korea Bureau for Epilepsy, thanked TikTok for launching photosensitivity features for epilepsy patients and expressed the bureau's commitment to developing various contents related to epilepsy with TikTok.
Ann Little, Executive Director at International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), welcomed TikTok's new photosensitive warning feature and its contribution to minimizing seizure triggers and reducing discrimination against people with epilepsy.