Big Changes Ahead: TikTok's New Rules for Creators!

On Thursday, TikTok took a significant step forward in refining its platform's governance by unveiling a comprehensive update to its Community Guidelines. This initiative aims to clarify the rules that govern user interactions and content on the app, as detailed by the company's global head of trust and safety, Sandeep Grover, in a recent blog post. The revamped guidelines are slated to take effect on September 13, offering users a more straightforward framework for understanding what is permissible on the platform.

The new guidelines will introduce a summary for each policy, making it easier for users to grasp TikTok's expectations. However, this is not merely a cosmetic change; the updates will also encompass a range of substantive modifications. TikTok plans to implement stricter regulations surrounding misinformation and consolidate various rules related to gambling, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, firearms, and weapons into a more streamlined policy. The platform will also enhance its approach to bullying and harassment, among other areas.

Users interested in comparing the existing Community Guidelines with the forthcoming updates can do so easily. The revised guidelines will clearly delineate rules regarding Safety and Civility, Mental and Behavioral Health, Sensitive and Mature Themes, Integrity and Authenticity, Regulated Goods and Services, and Privacy and Security. This clarity comes as a welcome change, moving away from the previous, more convoluted format.

Previously, the main guidelines page featured a section on Content Moderation that, while still present, has undergone some language revisions. Notably, the former phrasing emphasized the balance between creative expression and safety with the statement, "Keeping our platform safe, trustworthy, and vibrant requires balancing creative expression and preventing harm." The new guidelines simplify this to, "We want TikTok to be a safe, fun, and creative place for everyone," removing the term "trustworthy" entirely from the discourse.

The section addressing Misinformation, which falls under Integrity and Authenticity, retains much of its original content but incorporates some subtle language adjustments. For instance, while previous guidelines stated that unverified information about emergencies would be excluded from the For You Feed, the updated language specifies that the same applies to "crises and major civic events."

Another significant change can be found in the Accounts and Features section, which governs various functionalities such as TikTok LIVE, search capabilities, external links, comments, direct messages, and monetization. TikTok has expanded this section to explicitly outline what constitutes a violation of its policies, providing users with greater clarity about acceptable behavior on the platform.

For instance, the updated guidelines regarding TikTok LIVE clearly state that creators are accountable for everything that occurs during their sessions, including interactions with third-party tools like voice-to-text. If a harmful comment is read aloud through voice-to-text, the creator bears responsibility for enabling that tool.

The revisions also stipulate that certain types of LIVE sessions may be excluded from the For You Feed if they are deemed to contain "low quality content," such as a blank screen, or present "potentially distressing material that may cause anxiety or fear, such as scary make-up." This move aims to enhance the user experience by ensuring that only high-quality, engaging content is promoted.

Additionally, TikTok has broadened its approach to comments. The guidelines now specify that comments may be demoted if they "don't add to the conversation," which includes those containing profanity or offensive remarks. This proactive stance on maintaining a civil discourse is likely to foster a healthier community atmosphere.

Grover emphasized that these updates are the result of extensive consultations with creators, experts, and organizations, including the app's regional Advisory Councils. TikTok has committed to employing both human and AI moderators to ensure these new rules are enforced effectively. Grover also highlighted that the platform will continue investing in "modern technologies" to bolster its policy enforcement efforts.

These updates to TikTok's Community Guidelines arrive shortly after the platform rolled out features aimed at enhancing user safety, including fact-checking Community Notes and parental control measures last month. These initiatives reflect TikTok's ongoing commitment to creating a safer, more transparent environment for its users, addressing both the challenges of misinformation and the need for a supportive community.

As TikTok continues to evolve in response to its growing user base and the dynamic landscape of social media, these updates mark a pivotal point in the platform's journey towards enhancing user trust and community engagement. With clearer guidelines and more robust enforcement measures, TikTok is not only addressing existing challenges but also setting a precedent for how social media platforms can effectively govern their spaces.