TikTok Removes AI 'Chubby Filter' Following Backlash Over Body Shaming

The filter, uploaded to CapCut, faced criticism for promoting toxic beauty standards and has been pulled alongside new moderation measures.

The 'chubby filter,' which used AI to make users appear heavier, was removed by TikTok on March 21 after widespread criticism.
Experts and users condemned the filter for perpetuating harmful stereotypes, body dissatisfaction, and toxic diet culture.
TikTok clarified that the filter originated from CapCut, a ByteDance-owned app, and was not directly available on TikTok itself.
The platform has added disclaimers to searches for the filter, restricted related videos from recommendations, and blocked them from teen accounts.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges for TikTok in balancing innovation with ethical responsibility and addressing harmful content.