TikTok, the popular social media platform with over a billion users, is taking steps to address concerns over its impact on minors' mental health. The company has announced plans to restrict the use of certain beauty filters for users under the age of 18, specifically those designed to alter one's appearance.

The move comes in response to criticism from 14 U.S. attorneys general, who recently sued the company over its alleged negative impact on minors' mental health and data harvesting practices. A subsequent report revealed that TikTok's own research supports these claims, prompting the company to take action.

The beauty filters in question have been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and contributing to body dissatisfaction among young users. While TikTok allows users as young as 13 to register, the company has faced scrutiny over its ability to enforce age restrictions and protect its younger users. Regulators have questioned the efficacy of TikTok's age-restriction mechanisms, which are designed to prevent minors from accessing certain features and content.

TikTok's decision to restrict beauty filters for minors is seen as a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen how effectively the company will be able to enforce this policy. The changes are set to roll out "in the coming weeks" across TikTok's global platform, which has become a major hub for social media activity among young people.

The development highlights the ongoing debate over the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young people. As social media platforms continue to evolve and grow in popularity, regulators and policymakers are increasingly scrutinizing their practices and pushing for greater accountability.

TikTok's parent company, Bytedane, has faced intense scrutiny in recent months, with regulators and lawmakers raising concerns over its data harvesting practices and impact on minors. The company's decision to restrict beauty filters for minors may be seen as an attempt to mitigate these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to user safety and well-being.

As the social media landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how effectively TikTok and other platforms will be able to balance user experience with user safety and well-being. One thing is clear, however: the scrutiny is unlikely to let up anytime soon, and social media companies will need to prioritize transparency, accountability, and user safety to maintain the trust of their users and regulators alike.