TikTok is shaking up its community guidelines, and creators and users should take note. The popular social media platform announced significant updates that aim to make its rules clearer and more user-friendly, set to roll out on September 13.

The new guidelines feature top-line summaries for each policy, making it easier for users to understand the platform’s expectations. Some key changes include more explicit rules around misinformation, consolidated policies for regulated content like gambling and weapons, and refined approaches to bullying prevention.

One notable shift involves TikTok LIVE creators, who will now be fully responsible for everything happening during their sessions - including content generated by third-party tools like voice-to-text. This means if a harmful comment is read aloud, the creator could face consequences.

Comments will also see significant changes. TikTok plans to sort comments lower if they “don’t add to the conversation,” targeting posts with profanity or offensive language. The platform is aiming to create a more constructive and respectful commenting environment.

Sandeep Grover, TikTok’s global head of trust and safety, emphasized that these updates are based on conversations with creators, experts, and regional Advisory Councils. The company is investing heavily in both human and AI moderation technologies to enforce these new guidelines.

These changes come on the heels of recent feature introductions like community fact-checking and enhanced parental control options. TikTok seems committed to creating a safer, more transparent social media experience for its millions of users.

While the core mission remains the same - keeping the platform “a safe, fun, and creative place for everyone” - these updates signal TikTok’s ongoing efforts to balance creative expression with user protection.