A new TikTok feature will help people who have epilepsy filter out photosensitive content that could trigger seizures.
The platform also warns Creators if their uploads contain effects that could trigger photosensitive epilepsy.
Related | Snapchat Announces Spotlight: An In-App Entertainment Platform For User Generated Content
The Epilepsy Foundation of America says that 1 in 26 people in the US will suffer from epilepsy at some point in their lives. The foundation also says that 10% of these people will be affected by seizures.
It is a known fact that video content that involves flashing lights and colors (photosensitive content) can trigger seizures. Because social platforms, like TikTok, are pushing content to users through an algorithm, it can become impossible for users to avoid such content in their feeds. Unless the algorithm itself is trained to filter them out for the right users.
TikTok is the first platform to take a step in helping people who have epilepsy avoid potentially dangerous content. The app was already warning Creators if their uploads contained effects that could trigger such seizures. Now, this type of content will also be flagged in the feed and users will have the option to opt-out of viewing such content in their feeds.
Users can also opt-out now before any content is flagged in their feed, via the app’s accessibility settings:
“While the population of those with photosensitive epilepsy is small, the impact can be quite serious,” says Laura Thrall, president, and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “It is great to see TikTok addressing this issue by making changes to their platform so that people in our epilepsy community can feel protected when viewing content on TikTok. We are proud to have worked with TikTok on this initiative and truly appreciate our continued collaboration.”
TikTok has been working with epilepsy organizations across the world who, in turn, have been providing feedback on how to make the app safer for all.
You might also like
More from TikTok
These 176 Songs Topped 1 Billion Video Views On TikTok In 2020
In 2020, 176 songs topped 1 billion video views on TikTok with some passing the mark in as little as …
TikTok Signs Licensing Agreement With Sony Music Entertainment
TikTok announced a new licensing agreement with Sony Music Entertainment (SME) to allow creators to use the publishers' songs in …
TikTok Starts Telling You Why It Removed Your Video
TikTok is stepping up its content moderation on the platform and will now let you know why your video is …
Cocoa Bombs: Everything You Need To Know About The New Viral TikTok Trend
The cutest viral trend is taking over TikTok: Cocoa bombs, and they don't only look spectacular, they taste DELICIOUS too!
TikTok Gets Banned In Pakistan
Pakistan has banned popular short video sharing app TikTok, citing circulation of “immoral and indecent ” videos.
A Viral TikTok Video Just Tripled Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ Sales
A TikTok video of a guy singing to the tune of Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' while riding is skateboard has amassed …
TikTok Brings French Football To Life With Ligue 1 Partnership
After successfully launching its TikTok presence, French Soccer Ligue 1 is now introducing its first-ever TikTok challenge to rally fans …
Trump Gives TikTok Deal With Oracle And Walmart His Blessing
US President Donald Trump has announced that he is approving TikTok's proposed partnership with Oracle and Walmart.
Oracle Is TikTok’s New ‘Trusted Technology Partner’ For The US
TikTok will not be selling its US operations. Instead, the Chinese-owned platform has chosen Oracle as its new "Trusted Technology …