TikTok has announced stricter monitoring of accounts belonging to users under the age of 13 as part of efforts to enhance child safety and comply with European regulations. The company said it will soon introduce new age-verification technology across Europe to better identify underage users on the platform.
According to Reuters, the system was developed after a year-long pilot program and will analyze profile information, posted videos, and behavioral patterns to detect accounts likely operated by children under 13. TikTok clarified that accounts flagged by the system will not be automatically removed. Instead, they will be reviewed by trained human moderators to ensure accuracy and fairness.
The company emphasized that the technology has been designed with a strong focus on user privacy while meeting regulatory requirements in Europe. European authorities have repeatedly urged social media platforms to improve age-verification methods, as current systems are often either ineffective or overly dependent on sensitive personal data.
In cases where users appeal decisions, TikTok will use facial age-estimation technology provided by Yoti, along with credit card checks and official identification documents where necessary. TikTok said European users will be informed before the rollout begins.
The company stated that the initiative aims to better protect children, noting that there is currently no perfect solution that fully verifies age while preserving complete privacy. Similar pilot efforts in the UK previously led to the removal of thousands of underage accounts.
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