TikTok is implementing stricter measures to regulate the content appearing on its “For You” feed, announcing that accounts repeatedly sharing content deemed “problematic” will be blocked from the algorithmically curated feed. This update, part of TikTok’s revamped community guidelines, targets various types of content, including sexually suggestive material, extreme fitness content, and sadness-related videos. Accounts persistently violating these standards will face temporary suspension from the For You feed.
Adam Presser, TikTok’s head of operations and trust and safety, outlined the new policy, stating that accounts repeatedly posting content contrary to TikTok’s standards will be temporarily ineligible for recommendation in the For You feed and will have reduced visibility in search results. Creators will be notified of any restrictions placed on their accounts and will have the option to appeal. Additionally, content created by users under 16 years old will not be eligible for the For You feed.
These changes are set to take effect on May 17 and coincide with the introduction of an “Account Check” feature, allowing creators to monitor their compliance with TikTok’s policies. Furthermore, TikTok is introducing a “warning strike” system for first-time violators of community guidelines, with subsequent violations resulting in account strikes. Accounts found violating TikTok’s zero-tolerance policies, such as incitement to violence, will face immediate suspension.
In addition to these updates, TikTok has released a Creator Code of Conduct, outlining standards expected from creators involved in TikTok programs, events, and campaigns. These guidelines aim to uphold the platform’s integrity and ensure the safety of its users.
These policy changes come amid TikTok’s efforts to counter proposed U.S. legislation aimed at banning the platform unless certain conditions, like divesting ownership from its Chinese parent company ByteDance, are met. While the bill has passed in the House of Representatives, it awaits further action in the Senate
