TikTok’s impending Intellectual Property Policy Update has left many users scratching their heads. So, here’s everything to know about it.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you might have noticed a pop-up notifying users of an upcoming change to the platform’s intellectual property (IP) policy.
The update, set to take effect on April 26, 2025, states, “We are updating our policy to further improve the protection and enforcement of intellectual property on TikTok.”
While this might sound like a routine adjustment, creators are buzzing with questions about how it will affect their content.
‘Intellectual Property Policy Update’ meaning
Under the updated policy, TikTok aims to more rigorously enforce existing rules around copyrighted materials. This includes music, videos, trademarks, and other protected content.
If a user is found to be infringing on copyrighted works, their videos could be removed, and repeat violations could lead to account bans.
Although TikTok already prohibited the use of copyrighted materials, this update suggests a shift toward stricter monitoring and enforcement. The platform has also introduced new online forms for copyright holders to file claims, which could increase the likelihood of takedown requests.
For creators, the update raises questions about what types of content might now be at risk. Obvious violations, like posting full movie clips, are likely to face consequences. However, the ambiguity around more nuanced uses – such as song covers, remix tutorials, or fan edits – has sparked concern.
The updated policy does allow for fair use, a legal principle that permits the use of copyrighted materials for purposes like criticism, education, or parody.
However, fair use can be tricky to navigate, as it depends on how much the original material is transformed. Creators will need to make sure that their content is more than just a reproduction of the original work.
It’s unclear whether the policy will apply retroactively to older videos or only to new uploads after April 26. TikTok has suggested that most violations will result in warnings first, allowing creators to address issues.
While the update could signal a major shift in how TikTok handles IP enforcement, it’s too early to predict the full extent of its impact. For now, creators should stay informed, review their content, and tread carefully to avoid potential violations.
If you’d like to learn more about how to use TikTok, you can take a look at our other guides, including how to Stitch on TikTok and how to find contacts on TikTok.
Content shared from www.dexerto.com.