TikTok's New Age Tech Rolls Out in Europe

TikTok is set to implement a new age-detection technology across Europe in the upcoming weeks, following a year-long pilot phase. This system is designed to enhance the identification of underage users, specifically those under 13, who are a growing concern for regulators. The technology works by examining profile details, posted videos, and user behavior patterns to predict if an account might belong to a minor.

Accounts flagged by this new system will undergo review by specialist human moderators instead of facing immediate automatic bans. This approach aims to balance regulatory compliance with user privacy. The rollout occurs amidst heightened scrutiny from European authorities concerning age verification methods on social media platforms, with countries like Denmark and Australia imposing or considering age restrictions.

The company stated that no universally agreed-upon method exists for confirming age while maintaining privacy. For appeals, TikTok will utilize facial-age estimation from Yoti, alongside credit card checks and government-issued identification. This new technology was developed specifically for Europe to align with regional data protection laws and has been guided by Ireland's Data Protection Commission.