TikTok, a social network sharing service, has announced a new privacy policy for teens. The video sharing app implements new settings and controls to better protect users under 18, the press release said.
The new changes include making all accounts private by default for users 13-15 years old and limiting comments to friends only or none. As advertised, the accounts registered for users of this age group have the privacy setting private by default.
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This means that only followers approved by users can watch their videos. The settings can also be manually changed to public so that their videos are visible to everyone, the company said. "By getting them involved in their privacy journey early, we can enable them to make more informed choices about their online privacy," the press release said.
Likewise, the option "Suggest your account to others" is disabled by default, depending on the version. Other changes include limiting the comment section for users ages 13-15 to friends only or no friends at all, and allowing video downloads for users ages 16-17.
They also have their default friendly disposition. They also say they are building on previous updates to help protect teens, including limiting live messages and hosting live streams for users 16 and older.
According to TikTok, the video-sharing app will also restrict the buying, sending or receiving of virtual gifts to users 18 and older and enable a family linking feature that allows parents / guardians to place protective rails on their teen's TikTok.
