TikTok Tightens Age Checks in Europe Amid Regulations

TikTok Deploys New Age-Detection System

TikTok is launching new age-detection technology across Europe in the coming weeks. The system, developed by parent company ByteDance, aims to more effectively identify and remove accounts belonging to users under the age of 13, addressing growing regulatory pressure.

Intensifying Regulatory Scrutiny

The rollout follows increased scrutiny from European authorities regarding how platforms verify user ages under strict data-protection laws. A successful pilot in the UK led to the removal of thousands of underage accounts. The European Parliament is actively pushing for stricter age limits on social media, while countries like Denmark are proposing outright bans for users under 15.

Technology and Industry Implications

The technology analyzes profile information and behavioral signals to flag potentially underage accounts for human review rather than automatic banning. For appeals, TikTok will utilize facial-age estimation services from provider Yoti, a company also used by Meta. This move highlights an industry-wide trend toward adopting more sophisticated verification methods to meet compliance demands, potentially increasing operational costs for social media companies.

Conclusion and Outlook

TikTok's new system was developed specifically for the European market in consultation with Ireland's Data Protection Commission. This targeted approach underscores the growing importance of regional compliance in the global tech industry. The effectiveness of this technology will likely set a benchmark for other platforms operating within the EU.

FAQ

Q: Why is TikTok implementing new age verification in Europe?
A: To comply with increasing regulatory pressure and data protection rules aimed at better protecting minors online.

Q: How does the new technology work?
A: It analyzes user data and online behavior to flag potential underage accounts, which are then reviewed by specialist moderators.

Q: What verification methods are used for appeals?
A: TikTok uses facial-age estimation from verification provider Yoti, alongside credit-card checks and government-issued identification.

Source: Investing.com