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TikTok will make accounts private by default for those under 16

The platform is making updates to its privacy policy for younger users.

Erin Carson Former Senior Writer
Erin Carson covered internet culture, online dating and the weird ways tech and science are changing your life.
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  • She has a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.
Erin Carson
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TikTok is making privacy policy updates.

Angela Lang/CNET

The accounts of TikTokers between the ages of 13 and 15 will default to private, TikTok said in a blog post Wednesday. 

The change is part of several updates to the social network's privacy policies aimed at its younger users. 

"As young people start their digital journey, we believe it's important to provide them with age-appropriate privacy settings and controls," the post said. 

In addition, only friends or no one at all will be able to comment on videos -- TikTok is removing the option for everyone to comment. Those under 16 won't be able to use the duet or stitch features (both effectively let you incorporate other TikToks in your own), and those 16 and 17 will only be able to use them with friends. 

Other changes include restricting direct messaging to accounts held by those 16 and older, and only permitting the downloading of videos also made by those 16 and older.

See also: Notion is TikTok's new aesthetic obsession: Here's how to set yours up