If your video ever gets removed on TikTok, the platform will now provide a reason behind the takedown. TikTok hopes that this change will make content removals more transparent.
TikTok Makes Takedowns More Transparent
In a post on the TikTok Newsroom, the platform announced that it’s been testing a new notification system that will provide more clarity about content removals. TikTok noted that it wants these notifications to give users a better understanding of its Community Guidelines, stating:
Our goals are to enhance the transparency and education around our Community Guidelines to reduce misunderstandings about content on our platform.
During the initial tests of this feature, the platform found that notifying users of its policies “helped reduce the rate of repeat violations,” and also increased the number of visits to TikTok’s Community Guidelines page. Moreover, TikTok said that the notifications reduced users’ requests to appeal a removed video by 14 percent.
Because of these positive results, TikTok is rolling out the feature to all of its users. If TikTok removes one of your videos, you’ll receive a notification that explains which rule you broke. You’ll also get the chance to appeal the removal if you wish.
TikTok hopes to help its community through these notifications as well. For example, if a video is taken down for violating TikTok’s policies on self-harm, TikTok will send out another notification to that user. This time, the notification will contain a link to TikTok’s safety resources, and will also provide some suggestions on how to handle feelings of depression.
It’s a good move on TikTok’s part to include content to support the mental health of its users. After a graphic suicide video went viral on the platform in September 2020, it’s clear that TikTok needs to put measures in place to help users in need. Fortunately, this notification does just that.
That said, providing users with an explanation about content removals will not only clear up any misunderstandings, but it will also decrease the likelihood that users will repeat the same offense or continue to spread hateful content.
Can Users Look Past TikTok’s Scandals?
TikTok may have had its fair share of controversies, but the new notification policy is definitely for the best. Most major social media platforms already provide reasons behind content removals, so it’s only right that TikTok offers that sliver of transparency as well.
But despite the steps that TikTok is taking to redeem itself, some users may still feel the need to uninstall the platform for privacy reasons.
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