FILTERED OUT

The upcoming ban on beauty filters for teens, imposed by TikTok and Meta, is sparking a reality check as more are aware of their drawbacks

- Louisa Lim

Social media selfies may finally be losing their digital gloss as governments and platforms decide it is time for a reality check.

In 2024, Australia gained attention with its proposal to prohibit beauty filters for users under the age of 18, to address negative impacts on teens' body image.

Later that year, the government escalated its stance by unveiling plans to ban social media for those under age 16 entirely, citing concerns over its effects on young people's mental health.

Big Tech now has a one-year deadline to implement effective age verification measures or face substantial penalties.

In December 2024, TikTok decided it was time to peel back the virtual veneer, announcing a ban on filters that alter physical features for users under 18 for the same reason, to take effect in January.

One of the platform's most controversial ones is reportedly Bold Glamour, which has sparked significant debate over its hyper-realistic effects.

Known for its ability to enhance users' faces with a soft glam make-up look and subtly alter facial features to conform to traditional beauty ideals, Bold Glamour has been used more than 233.5 million times.

Meta also announced that it will progressively begin to remove certain third-party augmented reality (AR) filters created by external developers from its platforms - WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram - starting in January.

Filters have profoundly shaped the self-image of Singapore-based content creator Myke Motus, 36, who believes their ban is timely.

In June 2024, he boarded a plane to the Philippines for a rhinoplasty.

It was the culmination of years spent using beauty filters and social media tools that allowed him to transform his virtual appearance into an idealized version of himself.

He began experimenting with filters for fun when Snapchat first introduced them in 2015, but his fascination grew with the arrival of AR filters on Instagram in 2018.