TikTok Strengthens Age Verification Across Europe

TikTok is strengthening its age‑verification framework across the European Economic Area, the UK, and Switzerland by deploying upgraded age‑detection technology. The system analyzes profile data and user activity to estimate age and flags accounts that may belong to users under 13, TikTok’s minimum age. Flagged accounts are reviewed by trained moderators, with users informed through in‑app notifications explaining the new measures and their purpose.

Where underage use is suspected through content moderation or user reports, accounts can be escalated to specialist review. TikTok reports removing around six million underage accounts globally each month. Users whose accounts are banned may appeal by submitting a government‑issued ID, a credit‑card authorization, or a selfie for age estimation, though industry experience shows that such tools remain imperfect.

TikTok acknowledges the absence of a universally accepted age‑verification method that balances effectiveness and privacy. The company advocates a multi‑layered age‑assurance approach, combining automated detection, human review, and user reporting. The rollout follows a year‑long European pilot conducted in cooperation with Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, aimed at ensuring compliance with EU data‑protection standards.

The measures arrive amid growing political pressure to restrict minors’ access to social media. Australia has already implemented a ban for under‑16s, prompting widespread account closures and legal challenges. Similar proposals are under discussion in the UK, where the House of Lords is set to vote on an amendment that could lead to a binding parliamentary decision in the coming months.