TikTok to Ban Children From Live Streaming, Introduces ‘Adults-Only’ Category For Streams

More social media platforms are introducing new ways to help protect children from harm.

Recently, TikTok announced that it’s increasing the minimum age requirement for live-streaming in the app, while also adding a new ‘adults-only’ live-stream category.

As per a statement by TikTok, “Currently, people must be aged 16 or over to host a LIVE. From November 23rd, the minimum age will increase from 16 to 18.”

“As we consider the breadth of our global audience, we already take a graduated approach to the features that our community can access based on their age; younger teens need to be aged 16 or older to access Direct Messaging and 18 or older to send virtual gifts or access monetization features.”

In addition to this, TikTok’s also launching a new option that will enable broadcasters to restrict their live streams to only ‘adult audiences’.

“For instance, perhaps a comedy routine is better suited for people over age 18. Or, a host may plan to talk about a difficult life experience and they would feel more comfortable knowing the conversation is limited to adults,” they explained.”

“We want our community to make the most of the opportunities LIVE can bring without compromising on safety.”

Recently, a report by the BBC highlighted and scrutinised the platform for allegedly ‘profiting’ from hundreds of accounts going live from Syrian refugee camps, with children begging for donations.

The BBC News investigation found that some were receiving up to US$1,000 (RM4,736) an hour, however, when they withdrew the cash, TikTok had taken up to 70% of it.

According to the BBC, TikTok had said this type of content was not allowed on its platform and its commission from digital gifts was significantly less than 70% but has still not confirmed the exact amount.

What do you think of the move?

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