TikTok Enhances Age Verification in Europe Amid Regulatory Pressure

TikTok announced plans to implement new age-detection technology across Europe in the coming weeks, responding to increasing regulatory scrutiny over user age verification. The initiative, disclosed to Reuters on January 16, 2024, aims to better identify and manage accounts belonging to children under the age of 13 on the popular social media platform.

The new system, which has been under development for over a year, evaluates profile information, posted videos, and behavioral signals to estimate whether an account may belong to an underage user. Accounts flagged by this technology will not be automatically banned; instead, they will undergo review by specialized moderators. This approach allows for a more nuanced evaluation of accounts, balancing user safety with privacy concerns.

Regulatory Landscape and Challenges

The rollout coincides with heightened scrutiny from European regulators regarding age verification practices on social media platforms. Authorities are increasingly concerned that current methods are either ineffective or too invasive. For instance, Australia has taken a bold step by imposing the world’s first social media ban on children under 16, while the European Parliament is advocating for stricter age limits on such platforms. Additionally, Denmark is considering a ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 15.

In the United Kingdom, a pilot program conducted by TikTok resulted in the removal of thousands of accounts belonging to users under 13. Despite these efforts, TikTok acknowledges that no globally accepted method exists for verifying an individual’s age while safeguarding their privacy.

To facilitate appeals against banned accounts, TikTok plans to utilize facial-age estimation technology from verification provider Yoti, alongside credit card checks and government-issued identification. Other major platforms, such as Meta, also employ Yoti for age verification on Facebook.

Compliance with European Regulations

TikTok emphasizes that the newly developed technology is specifically tailored for compliance with European regulatory requirements. The company has collaborated closely with Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, which serves as its lead privacy regulator in the European Union, throughout the development of this system.

As the technology begins to launch, TikTok will notify its users in Europe. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing regulatory demands and ensuring a safer online environment for younger users. By enhancing its age verification processes, TikTok aims to navigate the complex landscape of social media regulation while maintaining user engagement across its platform.