TikTok to strengthen age-verification technology across EU

January 16, 2026

TL;DR

TikTok is deploying new age-verification technology across the EU in the coming weeks.
The technology analyzes profile information, posted videos, and user behavior to identify accounts likely belonging to users under 13.
Accounts flagged by the system will be reviewed by moderators, with an option for users to appeal removals.
Appeal options include facial age estimation, credit card authorization, or government ID.
The EU pilot of this system resulted in the removal of thousands of accounts.
The rollout coincides with growing calls in countries like the UK for social media bans for under-16s, similar to Australia's recent ban.
TikTok states its system complies with data and privacy laws and is used solely for safety and technology improvement.
Other protective measures for younger users include restrictions on direct messaging for under-16s and screen time limits for under-18s.
Meta also uses Yoti for age verification on Facebook.
Australia has removed over 4.7 million accounts since implementing its under-16 social media ban on December 10th.
UK political figures, including Keir Starmer, have expressed openness to considering a social media ban for young people.
European authorities and countries like Denmark are also pushing for age limits on social media.
Previous investigations suggested moderators were instructed to allow under-13s to remain if they claimed parental oversight.

Continue reading the original article