What privacy updates is TikTok rolling out for teen accounts?

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TikTok Introduces New Privacy and Time Management Features for Teen Accounts

TikTok is rolling out a new feature called "Time Away" that will allow parents to set time limits and establish specific time windows for their teenage children's usage of the app. This update aims to address concerns regarding excessive screen time and its impact on adolescent mental health, with the feature being immediately available in the European Union and slated for a later release in the United States. In addition to time management, parents will gain the ability to view their children's following and follower lists, as well as a record of accounts their teens have blocked.
Enhanced Parental Oversight on Teen Activity

The "Time Away" feature is designed to provide parents with greater control over their children's app usage. Parents can configure daily time limits or define specific periods during which their teens can access TikTok. This functionality is secured by requiring adult deactivation directly from the parent's account, preventing teens from bypassing the restrictions. This move by TikTok mirrors similar initiatives introduced by competitors like Instagram, signalling a broader industry trend towards providing parental controls.
Increased Transparency on Social Connections

Beyond time management, TikTok will soon enable parents to see who their teenage children are following on the platform, who is following them, and which accounts have been blocked. This enhanced transparency is intended to give parents a clearer picture of their children's online social interactions and who they are engaging with. Such insights can be valuable for understanding a teen's digital social circle and potential influences.
Introduction of a "Meditation" Function for Under-16s

For users under the age of 16, TikTok is introducing a "Meditation" feature that will be offered after 10 pm. This function suggests relaxation exercises accompanied by calming music, aiming to encourage a wind-down period before sleep. While the feature is presented as a suggestion, teens have the option to switch it off, allowing for user autonomy within the new framework. This addition reflects a growing awareness among platforms of the need to promote healthier digital habits.
Broader Context of Scrutiny and Regulation

These privacy and time management updates from TikTok occur amidst heightened scrutiny from regulators and policymakers across the EU and globally regarding the app's influence on young users' mental well-being and potential for contributing to screen addiction. The platform is also facing inquiries into its psychological impact on children, with some jurisdictions considering or implementing bans due to concerns about online behaviour. The company has stated it employs over 6,000 moderators for content vetting in European languages and claims to remove a significant percentage of inappropriate content promptly.

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What privacy updates is TikTok rolling out for teen accounts?

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