TikTok Introduces New Safety Measures for Young Users in the EU

TikTok is bolstering its efforts to safeguard younger users across Europe, unveiling a series of updates aimed at promoting mental well-being and addressing age-related concerns on the platform. With an estimated 175 million users in the EU, TikTok has become a major hub for young teens, many of whom face heightened challenges related to mental health and self-image.

Among the new measures, TikTok is partnering with non-governmental organizations across Europe to offer in-app support for users who encounter harmful or distressing content. This initiative ensures that users can quickly access mental health resources when needed, providing a lifeline in challenging moments.

In a move to counter harmful beauty standards, TikTok is also restricting the use of appearance-altering filters for users under 18. This decision stems from recent studies showing that beauty filters often contribute to negative self-comparisons, particularly among teenage girls. By limiting access to such features, TikTok aims to foster a healthier online environment for teens.

Additionally, TikTok continues its progress on “Project Clover,” an EU-specific initiative to ensure user data remains securely stored within the region, addressing privacy and compliance concerns. Age verification remains a significant challenge for TikTok, as the platform reports removing six million accounts globally each month due to suspected violations of its minimum age requirement of 13.