TikTok to Restrict Users Repeatedly Posting Problematic Content

TikTok announced new policies that could make entire accounts temporarily ineligible for its influential For You (FY) feed. 

The changes, outlined in an update to TikTok's Community Guidelines, target users who repeatedly post videos about topics the platform deems unfit for general audiences, even if the content itself doesn't violate existing rules. 

These topics include extreme fitness routines, conspiracy theories, and sexually suggestive material.

"We're taking a stronger stance against content that may not technically violate our guidelines but could be overwhelming or upsetting to viewers," said Adam Presser, TikTok's Head of Operations and Trust and Safety. 

"Accounts that consistently post such content may be restricted from appearing in the For You feed and search results," Presser concluded. 

The policy, effective May 17th seeks to discourage users from posting about certain topics entirely, for fear of being hidden from a large portion of the platform's audience.

Additionally, TikTok will now interrupt repetitive content patterns, even if the individual videos themselves are allowed on the FY feed. 

This applies to themes like dieting, sadness, and oversimplified mental health information.

The move comes amidst growing scrutiny over the potential negative impacts of social media content, particularly on younger users. 

TikTok has previously faced criticism for promoting content deemed harmful to mental health.

This latest effort reflects TikTok's attempt to improve its public image before potential stricter regulations from Congress. 

However, concerns remain that these actions might disproportionately affect certain creators, similar to how content moderation efforts on other platforms have sometimes silenced marginalized voices.