TikTok revealed today the launch of a new functionality designed to automatically bypass videos that could potentially induce seizures in individuals diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy.

The “Skip All” feature will become available to all users in the coming weeks, following TikTok’s earlier implementation of automatic alerts for content creators. These alerts notify creators if their videos incorporate elements – such as rapidly flashing lights or specific visual sequences – that may pose a risk to those with photosensitive epilepsy. When such videos are uploaded, TikTok automatically adds a preliminary warning display.

Upon activation of the “Skip All” setting, users will no longer be shown any videos that TikTok has flagged as potentially triggering.

The Epilepsy Foundation, one of the numerous organizations TikTok collaborated with, reports that approximately 65 million people globally are affected by this condition.

Although advocacy groups have urged social media companies, including YouTube and Facebook, to implement warnings before potentially triggering content, the responsibility often rests with individual video producers. For instance, creators might verbally mention the presence of flashing lights at the start of a video or include a note in the video’s description. However, not all creators possess knowledge regarding photosensitive epilepsy or the factors that can initiate a seizure.

Moreover, malicious actors have intentionally shared harmful content online, sometimes accompanied by tags related to epilepsy. The Epilepsy Society, another collaborating organization, has advocated for the inclusion of such deliberately harmful posts within the scope of the United Kingdom’s Online Harms legislation.

Nicola Swanborough, acting head of external affairs at the Epilepsy Society, stated in a release accompanying TikTok’s announcement, “social media provides a vital connection for many living with epilepsy, enabling them to interact with others facing similar challenges worldwide,” and expressed hope that “other platforms will emulate TikTok’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment.”