TikTok Launches Age-Detection Tech Across Europe to Catch Underage Users

TikTok has announced that it will begin rolling out a new age-detection system across Europe in the coming weeks, as scrutiny intensifies over how social media platforms protect children online. The move follows a year-long pilot programme in the region and is aimed at identifying and removing accounts belonging to users under the age of 13.

The new technology analyses a range of signals, including profile information, posted videos, and user behaviour, to predict whether an account may be operated by a minor. TikTok clarified that accounts flagged by the system will not be automatically removed. Instead, they will be reviewed by specially trained moderators to ensure accuracy and fairness.

The rollout comes amid growing regulatory pressure in Europe, where authorities are questioning the effectiveness and privacy implications of existing age-verification methods. Policymakers across the continent are debating stricter age limits, with proposals ranging from mandatory verification systems to outright bans on social media use for younger children.

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Globally, governments are adopting tougher stances. Australia has introduced the world’s first social media ban for children under 16, while Denmark is pushing to restrict access for those under 15. The European Parliament has also signalled support for tighter age controls across digital platforms.

TikTok acknowledged that there is no universally accepted method to verify a user’s age while fully protecting privacy. For users appealing account removals, the company will rely on third-party verification tools such as facial age estimation by Yoti, alongside credit card checks and government-issued identification. Meta currently uses similar tools for Facebook.

The company said the system was designed specifically to meet European regulatory standards and was developed in consultation with Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, TikTok’s lead privacy regulator in the EU. European users will be notified as the technology is introduced, marking a significant step in the platform’s efforts to align with evolving digital safety laws.

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