TikTok will roll out content filters and maturity ratings to make the app safer

Earlier this year, TikTok said it was developing a new system that would block certain types of mature content from being viewed by teenage users. Today, the company presents the first version of this system, called "Content Levels", which should be launched in a few weeks. It's also preparing to roll out a new tool that will allow users to block videos containing certain words or hashtags from appearing in their feeds.

Together, the features are designed to give users more control over their TikTok experience while making the app safer, especially for younger users. This is an area in which TikTok is now under increased scrutiny - not only from regulators and lawmakers looking to tighten their grip on social media platforms generally, but also from those who seek justice for the wrongdoings of social media.

For example, a group of parents recently sued TikTok after their children died after attempting dangerous challenges they allegedly saw on TikTok. Meanwhile, former content moderators have sued the company for its failure to support their mental health, despite the strenuous nature of their jobs.

With the new tools, TikTok aims to put more moderation control in the hands of users and content creators.

The future content tier system is intended to provide a way to rate content on the app, similar to how movies, TV shows, and video games also have age ratings.

Image credits: TikTok content tiers

While adult content is prohibited, TikTok says some content in its app may contain "mature or complex themes that may reflect personal experiences or real-world events intended for an older audience." Its content tier system will work to categorize that content and assign a maturity score.

In the coming weeks, TikTok will introduce an early version of the content tier system designed to prevent content with overtly mature themes from reaching users aged 13-17. Videos with mature themes — like fictional scenes that might be too scary or intense for younger users — will be given a maturity score to prevent them from being viewed by TikTok users under 18. The system will be expanded over time to provide filtering options for the entire community, not just teenagers.

The maturity score will be assigned by trust and safety moderators to videos that are gaining popularity or those that have been flagged on the app, we are told.

Previously, TikTok said content creators might also be asked to tag their content, but it hasn't given any details on that yet. A spokesperson, however, said this was a separate effort from what was announced today.