TikTok announced significant updates to its Community Guidelines, aimed at enhancing clarity and usability. These revisions, set to take effect on September 13, were communicated by Sandeep Grover, TikTok's global head of trust and safety, in a blog post.
The updates include a new top-line summary for each policy, making it easier for users to understand the rules. Key changes involve the introduction of new guidelines regarding misinformation, as well as a consolidation of existing rules related to gambling, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, firearms, and other weapons into a single policy. Additionally, the guidelines on bullying are being refined to better address this issue.
The format of the guidelines has also been modified. The previous layout primarily featured a section on Content Moderation, which has been updated to reflect a broader commitment to creating a safe, enjoyable platform. The section on Misinformation retains its core message but includes updated language, specifying that unverified information linked to crises and major civic events is ineligible for the For You Feed.
Further changes have been made to the Accounts and Features section, which outlines the responsibilities of creators, particularly during TikTok LIVE sessions. Creators are now explicitly accountable for the content displayed during these live interactions, including comments generated by third-party tools. The guidelines also specify conditions under which live sessions and comments may be deemed inappropriate or of low quality.
These revisions were influenced by feedback from creators, experts, and regional Advisory Councils. TikTok has committed to employing both human and AI moderators to enforce these updated rules, continuing its investment in modern technologies for policy enforcement. These changes follow the recent introduction of fact-checking features and parental controls on the platform.