TikTok has announced plans to allow creators to produce adult-only content, initially sparking hopes that it will loosen some of its strict censorship on sexually explicit or suggestive content. Unfortunately, these hopes were short-lived, as it turns out the policy is aimed at strengthening existing guidelines.
“We’ve always had strict policies prohibiting nudity, sexual activity, and sexually explicit content, including content that directs to adult websites or apps,” says the platform in a statement on the changes, adding that more than 40,000 people are dedicated to enforcing their policies. Apparently, though, that’s not enough.
As part of its ongoing quest to sap the fun out of our lives, TikTok will now enlist creators to label their own videos as inappropriate, as well, following similar controls rolled out for TikTok LIVE. The new audience controls allow creators to label their content as “borderline suggestive” – such content will only be shown to accounts over the age of 18 – and are set to be rolled out globally in the next few weeks.
“To be clear: our policies still fully apply to creators who use this feature, and we will remove content which contains nudity and other violations of our community guidelines,” TikTok clarifies, putting to rest any dreams about taking the crown from OG Tumblr with regards to its nudity policy. “Our goal has always been to make sure our community, especially teens on our platform, have a safe, positive and joyful experience.”
Nevertheless, TikTok’s “troubling” effect on teenagers has contributed to growing calls for a nationwide ban in the US. Notably, lawmakers’ concerns have nothing to do with nudity, instead revolving around harmful suggested content – including eating disorder videos and self-harm content directed at teenagers – and insecure user data. But God forbid a consenting adult is allowed to see a naked body on their FYP!