%TikTok is adding filters and maturity ratings to its app in an effort to prevent certain types of mature content from showing up in the feeds of teenagers.
The new system, called %ContentLevels is scheduled to launch later in July. The social media company is also developing a new tool that will allow users to filter videos with certain words or hashtags from showing up in their feeds.
The new measures are an attempt by TikTok to enhance the safety of its app and better protect young people from viewing content that might be upsetting or harm their mental health
TikTok faces enhanced scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers who are looking to reign in social media platforms, as well as growing legal action over social media’s negative impacts.
A group of parents recently sued TikTok after their children died while attempting dangerous challenges they saw on TikTok. At the same time, former content moderators have sued TikTok for its failure to support their mental health.
The Content Levels system will classify content on the app, similar to the age ratings placed on movies, television shows, and video games.
Videos with mature themes, such as scenes that could be frightening or too intense for younger users, will be assigned a maturity score to keep them from being seen by people under age 18.
TikTok said the new system will be expanded over time to offer filtering options for the entire social media platform, not just teenagers.
TikTok is a privately held company that’s owned and operated by Chinese company ByteDance.