TikTok will launch advanced age-detection technology across Europe in the coming weeks. The company warns that this move will inevitably compromise user privacy. This announcement follows increasing regulatory pressure to identify and deactivate accounts belonging to children under the age of 13.
Moving Beyond Self-Reporting
The new system marks a significant shift from TikTok's previous reliance on self-reported age information. For the past year, the platform has been testing this technology in a pilot program. The core of the system is an AI-driven behavioral analysis engine. This engine will actively scan and flag accounts that exhibit patterns suggesting they are operated by users under 13 years old.
Human Review, Not Automatic Bans
TikTok has clarified that accounts flagged by the AI will not face immediate, automatic suspension. Instead, human moderators will review these cases. This step is intended to add a layer of oversight and reduce potential errors made by the automated system.
The Inevitable Privacy Compromise
Despite these efforts, TikTok has issued a stark warning. The company states there is currently no globally accepted method to verify a person's age online without infringing on their privacy. To handle appeals from users who believe they were incorrectly flagged, TikTok will employ a multi-step verification process.
This process will include:
- Facial-age estimation technology provided by the verification company Yoti.
- Credit card verification checks.
- Submission of government-issued identification documents.
It is worth noting that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, also uses Yoti's technology for age verification on its platforms.
A System Built for European Regulations
TikTok emphasizes that this specific age-detection technology was developed primarily for the European market. Its design aims to comply with the region's strict digital regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA). The company reports working closely with Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts as TikTok's lead regulator in the European Union.
This collaboration was intended to ensure the new system aligns with the EU's high standards for data protection and privacy. As the technology rolls out country by country, users in Europe will receive notifications within the TikTok app informing them of the changes.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Past Fines
The push for stricter age verification comes amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny. In May 2025, the Irish Data Protection Commission imposed a substantial fine of 530 million euros on TikTok. This penalty was accompanied by an order for the company to implement corrective measures. The fine resulted from an investigation focusing on TikTok's practices concerning data transfers and a lack of transparency with users.
The launch of this new age-detection system appears to be a direct response to such regulatory actions. TikTok is attempting to balance legal compliance with the complex realities of online privacy, acknowledging that perfect solutions do not yet exist.
