TikTok is a highly popular video-sharing social media platform that was launched in 2016. It allows users to share 15-second to 3-minute videos ranging from entertainment and talent footage to humor and informative content. As of November 2022, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide.
Like most social media platforms, TikTok has established Community Guidelines that all users must follow. These rules outline prohibited content and behavior that could lead to a user’s video being removed or their account being suspended. The guidelines cover areas like nudity, illegal activities, violent acts, hate speech, harassment, and dangerous challenges or hoaxes. The goal is to foster an inclusive environment and stop the spread of harmful content.
According to TikTok’s latest Community Guidelines Enforcement report published in October 2022, over 81 million videos were removed in Q2 2022 for violating guidelines. As TikTok continues to grow, enforcing these rules through warnings, video takedowns and account suspensions remains a priority.
Explicit Content
One of the most common reasons users receive account warnings on TikTok is due to posting explicit or adult content. TikTok’s Community Guidelines prohibit users from posting any content containing nudity, sexual activities, or sexually suggestive content. This includes content like:
- Nudity or partial nudity of any kind, including exposed genitals, buttocks, or female nipples
- Simulated sexual activities
- Sexually suggestive dancing or gyrating
- Using sex toys, even if not shown on camera
- Content intended to arouse sexual excitement
- Exposed male nipples, if presented in a sexualized context
TikTok states that even cartoons, illustrations, or videos game content containing nudity or sexual activities are prohibited. Users are advised to avoid posting any content of a sexual nature, even if not explicitly showing nudity (https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/content-violations-and-bans).
If an account gets flagged for posting explicit content, the user may receive a warning or have the content removed. Repeated violations can lead to bans of various durations, including permanent account bans preventing that user from ever creating a new account. TikTok aims to create a safe community, so sexual content of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Harassment and Bullying
One reason someone may get an account warning on TikTok is for harassment or bullying. This includes posting abusive comments, threats, or revealing someone’s personal information without their consent. According to YouTube’s harassment policies, content that maliciously insults someone based on their race, gender expression, or sexual orientation may violate their guidelines.
TikTok aims to create a supportive community and prohibits behavior intended to harass, harm, or humiliate others. Their bullying prevention policies make it clear that bullying has no place on TikTok. If someone’s behavior harms or negatively impacts someone else on TikTok, their account may get suspended as a protective measure.
Users are encouraged to report bullying or harassment on TikTok directly in the app. TikTok reviews these reports and may issue warnings or suspensions accordingly. Victims of severe bullying can also contact helplines like CyberSmile for additional support and resources.
Illegal Activities
According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, accounts may be permanently banned for promoting criminal behavior or illegal activities like:
Drug use – Posting content that promotes or glorifies the use of illegal drugs or substances. For example, giving instructions on how to use drugs or where to obtain them illegally. [1]
Violence – Posting videos that depict violent acts or incite others to commit violence. This includes threats, recruitment, and fundraising for violent organizations. [2]
Illegal sales or regulated goods – Offering prohibited or regulated goods like weapons, firearms, alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, pharmaceuticals, animals, or endangered species for sale. [2]
Criminal acts – Showcasing, promoting, or glorifying dangerous criminal behaviors like theft, fraud, vandalism, hacking, or evading law enforcement. [3]
TikTok has a zero tolerance policy for anything that promotes or enables criminal activities. Accounts face immediate permanent suspension if found to be facilitating real-world harm, violence, or illegal sales on the platform.
Dangerous Challenges or Acts
TikTok may issue an account warning for promoting dangerous stunts or acts that risk harm. This includes participating in or sharing videos of dangerous challenges that encourage risky behavior. Some examples of dangerous challenges that have circulated on TikTok include:
The blackout challenge, which involves intentionally cutting off oxygen to the brain to induce a high. This is extremely dangerous and has led to deaths.
The skull breaker challenge, where someone’s legs are kicked out from under them while jumping, causing them to land on their head. This can result in serious injury.
The penny challenge, which involves plugging part of a phone charger into the wall then touching the exposed prongs with a penny. This can cause electrical shocks, fires, and electrocution.
Any stunts, challenges or acts that can result in serious harm may warrant an account warning or suspension on TikTok. The platform aims to promote a safe environment and remove dangerous content that risks the well-being of users.
Spam and Misleading Content
One of the main reasons TikTok issues account warnings is for spammy or misleading content. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, the platform does not allow “account behaviors that may spam or mislead” the community. This includes repetitive content, clickbait, and false information.
Users who frequently post duplicate or recycled content may get flagged for spam. TikTok aims to provide an authentic experience, so flooding viewers’ feeds with repetitive videos goes against their guidelines. Clickbait titles and thumbnails designed to attract views through deception also violate policies.
Additionally, spreading harmful misinformation or conspiracy theories is prohibited. TikTok moderators work to identify and remove misleading content quickly. Accounts that continually share false news or hoaxes despite warnings risk getting banned.
In summary, users should avoid shady tactics to gain views or misinforming others. Sticking to original, honest content is the best way to stay in good standing on TikTok.
Underage Users
TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States. However, the app previously did not do enough to prevent underage children from using the platform.
In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined TikTok $5.7 million for violating COPPA rules. The FTC alleged that TikTok (previously known as Musical.ly) knowingly hosted content from underage users and illegally collected their personal information without parental consent. As part of the settlement, TikTok was required to build new protections for child users.
TikTok now requires age verification for users under 13 to restrict their account settings and data collection. Accounts for younger users have limited visibility and sharing capabilities. However, critics argue TikTok still does not do enough to protect children’s privacy and safety online.
Copyright Violations
One reason users may receive account warnings on TikTok is for copyright violations. This occurs when a user uploads or live streams content without permission from the owner. Common copyright violations include reuploading songs, videos, images or other media that is not original content created by the user. According to TikTok’s guidelines, users should not upload or stream content unless they own the rights or have explicit permission to use it. Examples of copyright violations include:
Uploading full-length songs or long segments of copyrighted music without permission. TikTok states users can share short segments of songs for creative transformations like singing along or dance videos.
Reuploading videos or large portions of copyrighted content like movies, TV shows or sports broadcasts without permission. TikTok bans accounts for piracy.
Using images, logos or other creative content without attribution or permission from the owner.
TikTok utilizes technology to automatically detect potential copyright infringements. Rightsholders like record labels, movie studios and others can also report violations. Accounts with multiple copyright strikes may receive warnings or bans. To avoid copyright issues, users should only use original content they created or have explicit permission to share on TikTok. According to TikTok’s guidelines, it’s better to err on the side of caution when using third party content. Being flagged for piracy or copyright infringement is one of the most common reasons accounts get warnings or banned on the platform.
Sources:
https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/copyright
https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/content-violations-and-bans
Account Security
TikTok takes account security very seriously. Users may receive account warnings if their account shows signs of being compromised or participating in coordinated inauthentic behavior.
According to TikTok’s Account Safety support page, users should enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, and be cautious of phishing attempts in order to keep their accounts secure. TikTok also advises users not to click on suspicious links and to contact support if their account has been compromised.
The TikTok Creator Portal states that security alerts may indicate suspicious behavior like a recent password change or login from a new device. These alerts are meant to notify users of potential account compromise.
If TikTok detects coordinated inauthentic behavior like multiple accounts working together to artificially boost content or engage in spamming or harassment, those accounts may receive warnings or be removed. This helps maintain the authenticity and safety of the platform.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok users can receive account warnings for a variety of prohibited content and activities. These include posting explicit or harassing material, promoting illegal or dangerous acts, spamming, allowing underage use, and infringing copyrights.
To avoid account warnings, carefully review and follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines. Do not post or engage with inappropriate, harmful, or illegal content. Make sure your account and all content complies with TikTok’s rules.
If you receive an account warning, you can appeal the decision within TikTok. Provide an explanation of why you believe the warning was unwarranted or incorrect. TikTok may reconsider the warning after reviewing your appeal. However, failure to address violations could still result in your account being banned.
By understanding TikTok’s policies, following the rules, and appealing warnings you believe were given unfairly, you can avoid losing access to your account on the platform.
