TikTok bans under 16s from messaging each other as part of new safety measures

TikTok users under the age of 16 will soon no longer be able to send or receive direct messages through the hugely popular video-sharing app. From 30 April, new online safety measures introduced by the Chinese-owned app will stop children from using the Direct Messaging feature to contact other users. TikTok's head of safety Cormac Keenan explained that the ban is aimed at "going one step further" with its existing restrictions, which already prevent users from receiving unsolicited messages from people that are not friends with them in the app. "As part of our commitment to improve safety on TikTok, we are introducing new restrictions on who can use our Direct Messaging feature," he said. "Direct Messaging is an amazing tool that enables people to make new friends and connections no matter where they are in the world. But despite its potential for good, we understand the potential for misuse."