Archive · 16 Jan 2026
TikTok to Tighten Age Checks in Europe
TikTok is introducing new technology in Europe to check the ages of its users.
This technology looks at profile information, videos, and how users behave to guess if someone might be under 13.
If the technology thinks an account is underage, it will be checked by a person instead of being banned automatically.
TikTok is doing this because regulators in Europe want to make sure that children under 13 are not using the platform.
The company is working with privacy experts to make sure the age checks are not too invasive.
Users in Europe will be notified when this new technology starts.
TikTok is rolling out new age-detection technology in Europe to better identify and remove underage accounts.
The technology analyzes profile information, posted videos, and behavioral signals to predict if an account may be underage.
Accounts flagged by the technology will be reviewed by specialist moderators rather than automatically banned.
TikTok is complying with regulatory pressure and working with Ireland's Data Protection Commission to develop the system.
For appeals against bans, TikTok will use facial-age estimation from Yoti, along with credit-card checks and government-issued identification.
- Who
- TikTok users in Europe
- What
- New age-detection technology
- When
- In the coming weeks
- Where
- Europe
- Why
- To comply with regulatory pressure and better identify underage accounts
- Platform
- TikTok
- Implementation
- New age-detection technology
- Verification Methods
- Profile analysis, video analysis, behavioral signals, facial-age estimation, credit-card checks, government-issued ID
- Regulatory Body
- Ireland's Data Protection Commission
- Verification Provider
- Yoti
- Regions
- Europe
