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TikTok is set to roll out new age-detection technology across Europe in the coming weeks, as the popular social media platform faces increasing regulatory scrutiny over child safety and age verification. The move follows a year-long pilot program in the United Kingdom, where the technology helped identify and remove thousands of accounts belonging to users under the age of 13.
The new system uses artificial intelligence to analyze a range of signals, including profile details, posted videos, and behavioral patterns, to predict whether an account may belong to a child below the platform’s minimum age requirement. Rather than automatically banning flagged accounts, TikTok said they will be reviewed by trained moderators to ensure accuracy and fairness in enforcement.
This rollout comes as European regulators intensify their focus on how digital platforms verify users’ ages while complying with strict data protection laws. Authorities are concerned that existing methods are either ineffective at protecting minors or excessively intrusive. Several governments are taking stronger stances: Australia has introduced a social media ban for children under 16, Denmark is considering a ban for those under 15, and the European Parliament is pushing for stricter age limits across platforms.
TikTok’s announcement coincides with legal challenges in the United States. A Delaware judge is scheduled to hear TikTok’s request to dismiss a lawsuit filed by parents of five British children who died while allegedly participating in dangerous online challenges. The lawsuit claims TikTok’s algorithm promoted harmful content to minors, including the so-called “blackout challenge.” TikTok has expressed sympathy for the families and reiterated that it prohibits content encouraging dangerous behavior.
To handle appeals against account bans, TikTok will rely on third-party verification provider Yoti, which uses facial age estimation, along with options such as credit card checks and government-issued ID. Meta also uses Yoti for age verification on Facebook.
TikTok said the new age-detection technology was designed specifically for Europe and developed in collaboration with Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, its lead EU privacy regulator. European users will be notified as the system is introduced, marking a significant step in TikTok’s efforts to balance child safety, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
