TikTok has unveiled a comprehensive suite of features aimed at bolstering user safety and promoting digital well-being. These enhancements include advanced parental controls, innovative tools for content creators, and the official launch of Footnotes, the platform’s fact-checking system.
Enhanced Parental Controls
Building upon its existing Family Pairing feature, which allows parents to link their accounts with their teen’s to customize safety settings, TikTok has introduced several new parental control options:
– Account Blocking: Parents can now block specific accounts from interacting with their teen’s profile. This measure ensures that blocked users cannot engage with the teen or appear in their feed.
– Activity Notifications: To keep parents informed without stifling creativity, TikTok will automatically notify them when their teen uploads public content, such as videos, stories, or photos.
– Privacy Setting Visibility: Parents gain insight into the privacy settings chosen by their teens, particularly those aged 16-17. This includes awareness of whether content downloads are enabled or if the teen’s following list is visible to others.
Creator-Focused Tools
Recognizing the challenges creators face in managing interactions, TikTok has rolled out features designed to foster a safer and more positive environment:
– Creator Care Mode: This feature automatically filters out comments identified as offensive, inappropriate, or profane. It also considers user behavior, reducing the likelihood of similar comments appearing if a creator frequently deletes or reports certain types.
– Comment Moderation for Live Streams: Creators can now block specific words from appearing in their live stream comments. Users who have previously used these terms or attempt to use them in the future will be muted for a duration set by the creator.
– Creator Inbox: To streamline communication, TikTok introduces a professional inbox experience featuring Unread and Starred folders. Creators can set up custom responses for frequently asked questions and utilize quick replies for efficient interactions.
– Creator Chat Room: This new feature allows creators to connect directly with eligible followers, fostering deeper engagement and community building.
Introduction of Footnotes
In an effort to combat misinformation, TikTok has officially launched Footnotes, its fact-checking system. This initiative aims to provide users with accurate information and context, enhancing the platform’s credibility and trustworthiness.
Commitment to Digital Well-Being
These updates reflect TikTok’s ongoing commitment to user safety and digital well-being. By empowering parents with more control, equipping creators with robust tools, and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information, TikTok strives to create a secure and positive environment for its diverse user base.
