Chinese short video-making app TikTok is reportedly restricting live streams to viewers over the age of 18 to prevent underage encounters with adult content. The new setting for users is currently undergoing limited testing with select users, TechCrunch reports. The selected users in the trial period can toggle the “Adult Themes” button to limit their live streaming to adults only.
The platform said that “only viewers 18+ can watch your LIVE” if you turn it on. Once a user enables the setting, TikTok will notify them that LIVE videos marked 18+ will still be removed if they violate the community guidelines. TikTok recently said it was developing a system to identify and restrict certain types of content that teens can’t access. (Also read: TikTok provided China with the data of US citizens? That’s what the CEO said)
“We’ve heard directly from our creators that sometimes they have a desire to only reach a certain older audience. For example, maybe they create comedy with adult humor or offer boring workplace tips that are relevant only to adults. Or maybe they’re talking about very difficult life experiences,” said Tracy Elizabeth, US Head of Issue Policy at TikTok.
“We’re testing ways to better empower creators to reach the intended audience for their specific content,” she added. (Also read: Android Users Warning! New Malware Subscribes Unknowing Users to Premium Services)
However, the new 18+ restriction setting for live streams is not intended to promote adult content on the platform and will be subject to strict scrutiny, the company said.
Apr 9, 2022