TikTok Rolls Out AI Age Verification to Protect Young Users

TikTok is introducing AI-powered age checks across Europe to better identify users under 13. The new system, set to roll out in the coming weeks, follows a year-long pilot and aims to help the platform comply with tightening regulations. By analyzing profile data, posted videos, and behavioral signals, TikTok hopes to detect underage accounts while maintaining user privacy.

How TikTok’s Age-Detection Technology Works

The AI system reviews multiple factors, including profile details, video content, and patterns of activity, to predict whether an account belongs to a child. Rather than automatically banning flagged accounts, TikTok will have specialist moderators review them. For users who contest restrictions, the platform will offer verification options such as facial-age estimation via Yoti, credit-card confirmation, and government-issued ID checks.

This approach aims to balance regulatory compliance with fairness, avoiding unnecessary account suspensions while keeping underage users safe.

Growing Regulatory Pressure Across Europe

European authorities are increasing scrutiny over how social media platforms verify user ages. Data-protection laws are pushing platforms to ensure underage users are properly identified without infringing on privacy. While no global standard exists, lawmakers are proposing stricter rules. For instance, Denmark wants to ban social media for anyone under 15, and the European Parliament is discussing continent-wide age limits.

TikTok’s pilot in the UK already led to thousands of accounts for users under 13 being removed, highlighting the growing need for automated detection systems.

Global Context: Privacy and Verification Challenges

Age verification remains a global challenge. TikTok admits there is no fully effective way to confirm ages without risking privacy. Platforms must balance protecting children with minimizing intrusive data collection. By using AI alongside verification services like Yoti, TikTok aims to address regulatory concerns while keeping the process secure and efficient.

Other major social platforms, including Meta, also rely on Yoti to verify user ages, indicating an industry-wide shift toward more sophisticated age-check systems.

What This Means for TikTok Users

For European users, the new system will mean more secure interactions on the platform and stronger safeguards against underage access. While the AI identifies potential underage accounts, human review ensures fairness. Parents can expect a safer environment for younger children, while older teens and adults will continue enjoying TikTok without disruption.

TikTok’s rollout signals how major social media companies are adapting to stricter regulations. It also reflects the growing role of AI in ensuring compliance and protecting vulnerable users online.