TikTok's Beauty Filters Will Soon Be Banned for Users Under 18

Beauty filters have become so advanced that they're almost undetectable, which can make them harmful—especially for young users. To address these concerns, TikTok has decided to ban beauty filters for users under 18 in the European Union and the United Kingdom to protect their mental health.

Social media platforms are synonymous with filters, offering options to add bunny ears, freckles, pastel tones, makeup, or even swap faces. Popularized by Snapchat, filters soon found their way to Instagram and TikTok. However, these tools have become increasingly realistic, raising concerns about their impact on mental health, particularly among teenagers.

TikTok recently commissioned a study on how online platforms influence teens' self-image and relationships. The findings revealed significant concern among both teens and parents regarding filters' effects on appearance. As a result, TikTok will block filters that "beautify" users, such as the Bold Glamour filter. However, humorous filters like bunny ears or dog noses will remain unaffected.

This move aims to address the unattainable beauty standards often promoted on the platform, which have been shown to negatively impact teenagers' mental health.

TikTok Filters: Undetectable Yet Harmful

Filters have come a long way. Early versions simply overlaid 3D images onto faces, often creating exaggerated effects that didn't always align properly. But with advancements in AI, filters now blend seamlessly with real faces, adjusting naturally even when users move, stretch their skin, or touch their face.

The danger lies in their subtlety. Filters can now make small, realistic adjustments that create an idealized appearance while remaining convincing. This has made them harder to detect, even in real-time videos, and can lead users to fantasize about a "perfect" face that isn't achievable.

These micro-adjustments often exacerbate insecurities, especially among younger users. Over time, this can lead to issues like dysmorphophobia—a condition where someone becomes obsessively preoccupied with perceived flaws or imperfections in their appearance. This can result in stress, anxiety, social withdrawal, eating disorders, and even depression.

TikTok's Efforts to Protect Teenagers' Mental Health

"By fostering a culture of authenticity, respect, and support, we can create a digital world where everyone feels empowered to be themselves," TikTok stated. While the decision to block beauty filters for users under 18 appears generous, it may also be a response to regulatory pressure from the UK and EU regarding the protection of minors.

This isn't TikTok's only measure. The platform announced that users in 13 European countries—though the specific countries are yet to be revealed—will soon have access to local helplines. These services will provide specialized support for users reporting content related to suicide, self-harm, hate, and harassment.

In France, TikTok partnered with the E-Enfance association in 2023, a collaboration that proved successful.

Additionally, TikTok is testing a machine learning system to detect underage users who bypass age restrictions. This system, set to launch in the UK by the end of the year, may result in account deletions. However, users will be able to appeal these decisions and prove their age if wrongly flagged.