TikTok is preparing to introduce significantly enhanced age verification technology for its users in Europe, as political pressure mounts in the UK for a blanket social media ban for children under 16.
How TikTok's New AI Age Prediction Works
The social media platform announced that its new system will analyse a combination of profile information, uploaded videos, and other on-platform behaviour to predict whether an account is likely operated by a child under the age of 13. Accounts flagged by the artificial intelligence will then be passed to a human moderator for a final decision on whether to ban them.
TikTok stated the measures, due in the coming weeks, follow a pilot scheme that led to the removal of thousands of underage accounts. The company emphasised that the technology will be used in a privacy-preserving manner, with predictions used solely to decide which accounts to send for human review.
Political Pressure for a UK-Wide Under-16s Ban
This technological move comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces intense lobbying to follow Australia's lead and implement a comprehensive social media ban for under-16s. A coalition of over 60 Labour MPs wrote to the Prime Minister on Sunday, urging immediate action and criticising successive governments for failing to protect young people from unregulated and addictive platforms.
Sir Keir has not ruled out such a ban, stating all options are on the table to better protect children. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has also expressed support, pledging her party would introduce similar measures if they win the next election.
Charity Warnings and TikTok's Appeal Process
However, the proposed blanket ban faces opposition from several prominent online safety and children's charities. They warn it could create a false sense of safety, potentially driving both children and predators to less regulated corners of the internet.
For users whose accounts are flagged as underage, TikTok will offer an appeal process using alternative verification methods. These include facial age recognition, credit card authorisation, and official ID checks.
The company confirmed it consulted extensively with Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) to ensure the system meets Europe's stringent data rules. All European users will be notified about the new technology. In a statement, TikTok reiterated its commitment to a multi-layered approach to age assurance, combining various techniques to uphold safety-by-design principles.
