TikTok Content Removal Notifications: New System Rollout

TikTok has implemented a new notification process for all users globally, designed to provide greater transparency regarding content removal decisions. This system, which underwent a period of testing prior to its worldwide release, alerts a TikTok user when their video is taken down and specifies the policy that was breached. Users will also have the option to contest the removal if they disagree with it.

From now on, when a video is removed due to a violation of community standards, users will receive an in-app notification detailing the date of the original post and the precise policy that was infringed upon. The notification will also include a link to the complete Community Guidelines for further review.

In instances where a video's content is flagged as relating to self-harm or suicide, TikTok will additionally provide users with access to resources from expert organizations, including the nonprofit befrienders.org. However, the system does not currently feature direct numbers for suicide hotlines, instead advising users or their contacts to contact “local law enforcement.”

Compared to this, platforms like Facebook and Instagram currently offer a more comprehensive system and collaborate with a broader range of support organizations in similar situations.

Previously, TikTok users frequently expressed frustration over videos being removed without any explanation. Several of these instances gained widespread attention, such as when Lizzo publicly addressed TikTok’s removal of videos featuring her in swimwear.

As TikTok’s user base has expanded, the number of video removals has also increased. During the first six months of 2020, TikTok reported removing 104.5 million videos for policy breaches, a significant rise from the 49+ million removed in the latter half of 2019.

The launch of this new notification system coincides with TikTok’s recent strengthening of its enforcement measures concerning hate speech and other harmful ideologies.

The company recently published an explanation of these changes specifically for its European audience. Initial reports in some news outlets incorrectly presented this update as a completely new policy, although the majority of the changes were initially announced in the U.S. in August.

Regardless of the timing, TikTok’s stricter policy enforcement may have contributed to increased confusion regarding video removals, particularly due to the previous absence of a clear notification system.

TikTok anticipates that the new notification system will help to decrease repeat offenses, based on the results observed during testing. The company also noted a nearly threefold increase in visits to its Community Guidelines as a result of the new notifications, along with a 14% reduction in appeals for review.

“Transparency with our community is essential for building and maintaining trust,” stated TikTok in a recent announcement. “We are pleased to introduce this new notification system to all our users, and we will continue to refine our methods for helping our community understand our policies as we strive to create a secure and supportive platform.”