TikTok became the latest tech company to announce tighter protections for teenagers as social media platforms come under increased scrutiny over their privacy safeguards.
The short video-sharing app will roll out a number of features in the coming months, including a default curb for 16 and 17-year-olds on in-app messaging unless it is switched to a different setting.
Under 16s will see a pop-up message when they publish their first video, asking them to choose who can watch.
And users aged 16 and 17 will be able to receive a pop-up asking them to confirm who can download their videos. Downloads are already disabled on content posted by under 16s.
The Chinese-owned platform will also stop sending push notifications to users aged 13 to 16 from 9 pm and an hour later for 16 to 17-year-olds with the aim of reducing their screen time at night.
