TikTok to roll out predictive age-verification technology across EU
16/01/2026 | The Guardian
TikTok is launching new age-verification technology across the EU to identify and remove accounts belonging to children under 13. This move comes amid increasing pressure on social media platforms to strengthen age assurance, including debates over potential under-16 bans. The system uses predictive technology to analyse profile information, posted content, and behavioural signals.
Accounts flagged by the system are reviewed by specialist moderators rather than being automatically removed. Users can appeal deletions using methods such as facial age estimation, credit card authorisation, or government-approved identification. TikTok maintains that its technology is privacy-preserving and compliant with data protection laws, as predictive data is used solely for moderation purposes. Following a successful EU pilot that removed thousands of accounts, the broader rollout aims to enhance community safety while meeting heightened regulatory scrutiny regarding the protection of young users.
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