TikTok is set to introduce new age-verification technology across the European Union in the coming weeks, as authorities push for greater measures to protect children from online harm. The social media giant has been quietly piloting this system over the past year, analyzing profile information, posted videos, and behavioral signals to predict whether an account may belong to a user under 13.
The technology assesses not only user-provided information but also behavior such as the type of content published and other on-platform interactions. If an account is flagged by the system, it will be reviewed by specialized moderators rather than face automatic removal. Users can then appeal against this decision if they believe an error has been made, with options including facial age estimation, credit card verification, or government-approved identification.
The rollout of this technology comes amid growing scrutiny of how social media platforms verify users' ages under data protection regulations. European authorities have expressed concerns about the impact of online activities on minors and are pushing for stricter measures to safeguard young people.
TikTok asserts that its system complies with relevant laws, using age prediction solely to guide human moderators and improve technology. The company has developed this tool in collaboration with Ireland's Data Protection Commission, a key regulatory body in the EU.
This new initiative follows a string of incidents highlighting the risks faced by young users online, including tragic cases where minors have suffered harm or even lost their lives as a result of online challenges gone wrong. In response, some countries are moving towards stricter regulations, with Australia implementing a ban on social media for people under 16 and Denmark aiming to restrict access to platforms for those under 15.
As the European parliament presses for age limits on social media platforms, TikTok's move signals an effort by major tech companies to take responsibility for protecting young users. While some critics argue that stricter regulations may push teenagers towards darker corners of the internet, many are calling for greater accountability and transparency in how these platforms verify user ages and address potential harm.
The technology assesses not only user-provided information but also behavior such as the type of content published and other on-platform interactions. If an account is flagged by the system, it will be reviewed by specialized moderators rather than face automatic removal. Users can then appeal against this decision if they believe an error has been made, with options including facial age estimation, credit card verification, or government-approved identification.
The rollout of this technology comes amid growing scrutiny of how social media platforms verify users' ages under data protection regulations. European authorities have expressed concerns about the impact of online activities on minors and are pushing for stricter measures to safeguard young people.
TikTok asserts that its system complies with relevant laws, using age prediction solely to guide human moderators and improve technology. The company has developed this tool in collaboration with Ireland's Data Protection Commission, a key regulatory body in the EU.
This new initiative follows a string of incidents highlighting the risks faced by young users online, including tragic cases where minors have suffered harm or even lost their lives as a result of online challenges gone wrong. In response, some countries are moving towards stricter regulations, with Australia implementing a ban on social media for people under 16 and Denmark aiming to restrict access to platforms for those under 15.
As the European parliament presses for age limits on social media platforms, TikTok's move signals an effort by major tech companies to take responsibility for protecting young users. While some critics argue that stricter regulations may push teenagers towards darker corners of the internet, many are calling for greater accountability and transparency in how these platforms verify user ages and address potential harm.
! As a parent, it's my worst nightmare to think about my child stumbling upon something that can cause them serious harm online 
. The tech giant is finally listening to the concerns of parents and authorities alike 
. I do hope they continue to use AI solely as a guide for human moderators - I'm not sure how effective facial age estimation would be in real-life situations 
. Let's just say, I've seen some convincing 16-year-olds trying to pass themselves off as minors 
. Anyway, this is a great step forward in ensuring online safety for our kids 
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. It's like, we've been warning about online safety for years and now everyone's just catching up. The thing is, this isn't just about TikTok or any one platform - it's about the responsibility we all share in creating a safe online space for young people 
. We need to have these conversations, not just as consumers, but also as creators and influencers who have a role in shaping the content our kids are exposed to 
. It's a chance for us to re-evaluate what we think is cool or acceptable online and make some real changes 
... On one hand, I think it's awesome that TikTok is taking steps to protect kids online 
. But on the other hand, I'm worried about the potential consequences of having these algorithms making decisions about who's old enough or not 
... And what about all the kids who have managed just fine online without needing some fancy age-verification system? Are we stifling their creativity and free expression in the process? 
... We need way more stringent regulations on social media platforms that actually take responsibility for protecting users 
. I mean, if Australia can ban kids under 16 from social media, why can't the EU do the same? 
. Yeah, I know, I'm a total contradiction 
read more about the EU's new age-verification tech: 
" But seriously, it's good that they're stepping up their game and trying to protect those little ones from all the nasty stuff out there.
. Nowadays, you have to show your ID or whatever just to join some TikTok groups 
. The fact that TikTok is working with the Data Protection Commission is a good start, fingers crossed it all works out 
, but at the same time, cant say im not a bit skeptical about how they're gonna handle all those appeals and whatnot... like, how do u even prove ur age in these cases? 
And facial age estimation is still super sketchy – have you seen those videos where they try to match faces with IDs? 
Oh man, this is such a huge step forward for online safety, you know? I feel like we're finally seeing some serious action from the big players to protect our youngins 
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. But with companies like TikTok taking the lead and pushing for change, I'm hoping we'll see some real progress soon 
.
. It's time for these big tech companies to take responsibility and make sure our youth are protected. Let's hope they follow through with this new initiative and actually do some good 
like, what about the kids who know how to use a VPN or have fake profiles? it's just gonna make things more complicated... 
they should've thought of that before making a system that relies on behavior and stuff. anyway, glad tiktok is taking steps to protect our younger ones 
this is such a great move by TikTok! They're really taking steps to keep our little ones safe online 
. It's so important that we take care of these kids and ensure they don't get hurt online 
. Don't get me wrong, safety first and all that 
. And Australia's already banning social media for 16-yr-olds? That's some next-level stuff 
... anyway, hope they get this tech thing down pat and it doesn't become too clicky or whatever 
. Anyway, this new age-verification tech is super cool (I guess 