TikTok Tightens Terms: Transformative Guidelines to Tackle Misinformation
Video-based social media platform TikTok is set to implement major changes to its community guidelines starting September 13. The company’s Global Head of Trust and Safety, Sandeep Grover, stated in a blog post that the new rules aim to prevent misinformation and tackle online harassment. “The goal is to make the policies simpler, clearer, and more user-friendly,” he said.
Under the new guidelines, videos of major crises or civic incidents will not appear on the ‘For You Feed’ without verification. Significant changes have also been made in the Accounts and Features section. Creators will bear full responsibility for everything that occurs during live broadcasts. Even harmful content disseminated through third-party tools, such as voice-to-text features, will remain the creator’s responsibility.
The updated guidelines prioritize safety, mental health, sensitive content, integrity, commercial activities, and privacy. Disturbing or fear-inducing videos will not be recommended to users. Additionally, any obscene or offensive comments within discussions will automatically be demoted in search results. TikTok confirmed that these changes were made in consultation with creators and experts.
