Ali Law, TikTok's director of public policy and government affairs in Northern Europe, emphasized the platform's commitment to safety during an interview with CNBC. He stated that TikTok was designed with safety in mind, addressing concerns from parents and policymakers.
The EU, led by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is moving forward with plans to restrict children's social media use, potentially setting an age limit for access. This initiative follows similar actions by countries like Australia, the U.K., France, Greece, and Spain.
Law mentioned that TikTok has implemented over 50 safety settings for users under 16, including screen time limits and restrictions on direct messaging and shopping features. He noted that these measures aim to foster a balanced relationship with the app, which is crucial for user retention.
TikTok's investment in trust and safety reached $2 billion last year, reflecting its proactive stance in addressing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health. This comes in the wake of legal challenges faced by TikTok and other platforms regarding their design features that may contribute to addictive behaviors among youth