TikTok to ban users under 16 from private messaging, allow parents to control screen time
- Direct messaging will be disabled for TikTok users under the age of 16 from April 30
- The new restrictions are part of the app’s new global measures to protect teenagers, after running afoul of regulators in countries like the US and India
Popular short video app TikTok announced on Thursday that from April 30, it will be blocking users under the age of 16 from sending or receiving direct messages as a part of new global measures to protect teenagers, who make up a sizeable proportion of its audience.
“Many users start their creator journey at 13 and are introduced to a wider array of app options for download, making it a critical time for teens and their families to learn about digital literacy and smart online behaviour,” Jeff Collins, senior director of TikTok's Trust and Safety Department said in a statement on the app’s website.
This appears to be the first time that a major social media platform is restricting private messaging between users based on their age.
On Thursday, TikTok also announced parental controls under a programme called Family Pairing, where parents will be able to link their TikTok accounts to their children’s and control the amount of time they spend on the app, their access to content that may not be age-appropriate and who can send messages to the paired accounts.
“We believe these options promote a safer and more trustworthy experience for our users of all ages,” Collins said.