TikTok Takes Steps to Tackle Underage Users Across Europe
In a bid to crack down on underage users, TikTok is rolling out enhanced age-verification measures across Europe. The platform aims to strengthen its systems to better detect and prevent minors from joining its user base.
Starting soon, the European Economic Area, UK, and Switzerland will see upgraded age-detection tech that assesses profile information and activity to estimate a user's likely age. This technology will flag accounts under 13 for review by specialist moderators. If deemed necessary, these moderators can ban such accounts, with users receiving notifications about these measures.
TikTok has already implemented similar practices after a pilot in Europe last year. The project helped identify and remove thousands of underage accounts, working closely with local regulators to ensure compliance with strict data protection standards.
The move comes as calls to restrict social media access for children intensify. In Australia, a ban on under-16s went into effect last month, prompting concerns from platforms like Reddit. Europe is now expected to follow suit, with the UK poised to introduce its own social media ban.
While TikTok acknowledges no single method can guarantee accurate age verification while respecting users' privacy, it has committed to multiple approaches to ensure teenagers have a safe and age-appropriate experience on its platform. The company believes a multi-layered approach is key to safeguarding teens and upholding safety-by-design principles.
In a bid to crack down on underage users, TikTok is rolling out enhanced age-verification measures across Europe. The platform aims to strengthen its systems to better detect and prevent minors from joining its user base.
Starting soon, the European Economic Area, UK, and Switzerland will see upgraded age-detection tech that assesses profile information and activity to estimate a user's likely age. This technology will flag accounts under 13 for review by specialist moderators. If deemed necessary, these moderators can ban such accounts, with users receiving notifications about these measures.
TikTok has already implemented similar practices after a pilot in Europe last year. The project helped identify and remove thousands of underage accounts, working closely with local regulators to ensure compliance with strict data protection standards.
The move comes as calls to restrict social media access for children intensify. In Australia, a ban on under-16s went into effect last month, prompting concerns from platforms like Reddit. Europe is now expected to follow suit, with the UK poised to introduce its own social media ban.
While TikTok acknowledges no single method can guarantee accurate age verification while respecting users' privacy, it has committed to multiple approaches to ensure teenagers have a safe and age-appropriate experience on its platform. The company believes a multi-layered approach is key to safeguarding teens and upholding safety-by-design principles.
, but it's about time they took action 
. As we all know, minors being on social media can be super problematic 
. I mean, who wants to see explicit content or deal with online harassment at such a young age? Not me, that's for sure 
.
, and I'm glad they're collaborating with local regulators to ensure everything is done by the book 
. The more social media platforms prioritize user safety, the better off we are 
. Now, if only other countries would follow suit... 
I mean, I just started using it last month and already they're making changes? Like, what's going on over there? 
I'm like, what's wrong with that? Can't kids still use it in some way? But at the same time, I get why they want to keep minors safe online... my little cousin is always asking me about social media and stuff.
. Do you guys think this will work or what?
, I mean who wants their 12-yr-old sibling or friend spending hours on an app that's not designed for them? 
it's like they're just gonna wake up one day and start posting about school or relationships 
. the thought of minors having to deal with all the drama & cyberbullying is just not right 
. good job, TikTok, taking steps towards a safer online space for younger users 
they should def do the same in other countries too, like I heard australia just banned under 16s and now reddit is all mad about it 
but still gotta wonder how accurate this stuff is gonna be, like we've all seen those fake profiles and stuff online 
.
. The thing is, we've gotta have these conversations about social media safety in general, 'cause the more we wait, the more problems are gonna pop up 
This new age-verification system is a step in the right direction, but it's about time we saw some serious effort from TikTok 
I guess that's progress, but it feels like a trade-off for our freedom online 
! it's like, super important for the platform to ensure that minors aren't getting stuck in a world designed for adults... i mean, who wants to see 13-year-olds scrolling through vids of influencers trying to sell them stuff? 
And what happens if a parent or guardian doesn't even know their kid is on the platform? Shouldn't there be more support for families in this situation, like resources to help them monitor their kids' online activity? 
it's about time i guess, all these other platforms are already getting banned for kids 
but seriously, how are they gonna make sure the tech isn't biased or anything? 
! It's good that they're acknowledging no single method can guarantee accurate age verification, 'cause let's face it, it's not easy to figure out someone's age online 
?
. anyway, kudos to tiktok for finally doing something about it, i guess its better late than never 
. But what really gets me is how this is happening now, after all the warnings and concerns from parents and regulators. It's about time we see some real action 
i mean, it's about time they stepped up their game when it comes to underage users in europe