TikTok has unveiled updated Community Guidelines that will take effect September 13, focusing on simplified language and enhanced safety measures. The revision comes as part of the platform’s ongoing trust and safety initiatives, according to Sandeep Grover, Global Head of Trust and Safety.

The new guidelines feature a “rules-at-a-glance” section that provides high-level summaries of each policy. TikTok consulted creators and experts from over 30 markets to develop clearer definitions and more consistent enforcement standards.

“We believe that people are more creative, authentic, and inspiring when they feel safe,” Grover states in the announcement.

Key changes include consolidated policies for regulated goods and services, which now combine rules about gambling, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, firearms, and dangerous weapons into a unified framework. The platform also refines its approach to bullying and introduces new standards to address misinformation.

Notable Updates for Creators

TikTok’s revised guidelines introduce specific new requirements for LIVE creators. According to TechCrunch’s reporting, creators are now explicitly responsible for all content in their live sessions, including third-party tools like real-time translation or voice-to-text services that read viewers’ comments.

The update also emphasizes commercial content disclosure requirements. TechCrunch notes the guidelines directly state that TikTok will “reduce the visibility of content that directs users to purchase products off-platform in markets where TikTok Shop is available.”

AI Content and Personalization

The platform maintains its stance on AI-generated content but simplifies language around prohibited deepfakes. 

While previous guidelines specifically banned AI content that falsely showed public figures being bullied or making endorsements, the new language prohibits content “that’s misleading about matters of public importance or harmful to individuals,” according to TechCrunch.

TikTok also clarifies that both search results and comment sections are personalized based on user behavior. The guidelines now explicitly state that “search results and recommendations may look different for everyone” based on past searches and viewing history.

Enforcement Approach

TikTok reports that over 85% of content removed for violating Community Guidelines is identified and removed by automation, with 99% of that content removed before being reported by users.

The platform maintains appeal processes for creators who believe their content was incorrectly removed or restricted. According to TikTok, appeal rates have remained stable despite increased reliance on moderation technologies.

“We encourage everyone to get familiar with our rules and tools for creating, sharing, and discovering safely on TikTok,” Grover concludes in the announcement.

The Community Guidelines update follows TikTok’s July announcement of stricter content rules for European and UK users.

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