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In a new turn of events, TikTok is preparing a significant refresh of its platform policies. The new TikTok Community Guidelines update is scheduled to take effect on September 13, 2025. These rules dictate how people use the platform and what content gets promoted. While many sections are simplified versions of earlier policies, some notable changes reveal new priorities for the company.
Moving forward, one major shift relates to TikTok’s growing marketplace. The update places strong emphasis on commercial activities, disclosure, and how off-platform promotions are handled. It also adds stricter oversight of live sessions, reinforcing the idea that creators are fully accountable for what happens during broadcasts. This focus shows how the TikTok Community Guidelines update ties business and safety together.
Emphasis on TikTok LIVE Rules and Creator Responsibility
The section concerning live streaming has seen significant changes, following the TikTok Community Guidelines update. TikTok LIVE rules now clarify that creators bear responsibility for everything occurring during their sessions. In addition, this includes third-party tools such as real-time translation or voice-to-text services. TikTok warns that these tools must be monitored to prevent rule violations. Through tightening this requirement, the platform ensures accountability is not avoided through technology.
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The revised rules also highlight the handling of commercial content during live broadcasts. TikTok stresses that creators must disclose when they are promoting products. In the same vein, transparency becomes mandatory under this TikTok commercial content policy. The platform also confirms that visibility will be reduced for videos directing users away from TikTok Shop. This restriction ensures that purchases remain inside the TikTok ecosystem, boosting the company’s growing marketplace.
Additionally, such steps show how the TikTok Community Guidelines update aligns safety with business interests. TikTok continues to invest heavily in shopping features, so discouraging off-platform purchases is a predictable strategy. Creators who rely on outside links may find the new policy limiting, but compliance is now unavoidable.
Personalization Changes Extend Across the Platform
Another significant adjustment in the TikTok Community Guidelines involves personalization. The new rules expand how search results and recommendations are tailored. Previously, TikTok mentioned offering “search suggestions” to users. Now, the company confirms that both search results and recommendations differ for every person. These TikTok personalization changes rely on signals such as search history, watch habits, and interactions.
Even the comment section is being reshaped. TikTok now sorts comments based on signals like past replies, likes, and reports. That means two people may see very different comments under the same video. This represents a deeper level of personalization, consistent with the platform’s wider strategy. These TikTok personalization changes also highlight TikTok’s determination to keep content relevant to every user’s behaviour.
TikTok Community Guidelines: TikTok AI Content Rules Simplified
Artificial intelligence remains a sensitive subject, especially as deepfakes gain ground. The TikTok Community Guidelines update has adjusted the wording around prohibited AI content. The previous version banned deepfakes that falsely depicted authoritative sources or public figures endorsing something. Now, the text is shorter and less specific.
The new TikTok AI content rules prohibit material that misleads the public on important matters or harms individuals. While the language is less detailed, the intent remains clear. TikTok does not want harmful or deceptive AI material spreading across its platform. However, the removal of earlier references to endorsements raises questions. Some speculate this could pave the way for celebrity-approved AI campaigns in the future.
TikTok Community Guidelines: A Shift in Tone Around Moderation
Other changes in the guidelines appear more cosmetic. The For You feed eligibility list has been shortened. Instead of collecting all ineligible categories in one section, TikTok has spread these details across the entire document. This makes the rules harder to reference, though still enforceable.
Another noticeable revision involves the moderation in the TikTok Community Guidelines. The previous version said moderation made the app “safe, trustworthy, and vibrant.” Now, the company uses lighter terms, calling TikTok a “safe, fun, and creative place for everyone.” The disappearance of “trustworthy” from the description might signal a subtle shift in tone. Some users may see this as a minor change, but words matter when global regulations loom.
Global Context Driving Policy Revisions
Notably, TikTok’s adjustments do not happen in isolation. Social media companies face rising pressure worldwide. By implication, laws like the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, the EU’s Digital Services Act, and the U.S. TAKE IT DOWN Act shape the space. In addition, platforms must adapt to keep regulators satisfied while also balancing user growth and engagement.
Notably, the TikTok Community Guidelines update reflects this balance. It simplifies language to make the rules easier to understand. At the same time, it tightens key areas like live streaming and shopping. While at it, it also embraces personalization and introduces a softer tone in moderation. The increase in competition and regulatory expansion has made TikTok prepare for a more demanding digital future.
