TikTok's Shocking New Age Verification: Are Your Kids Safe? You Won't Believe What Happens Next!

TikTok is set to introduce new age-verification technology across the European Union in the coming weeks, a move prompted by increasing calls for stricter regulations on social media platforms popular among young users. This development comes amid discussions in countries like the United Kingdom regarding potential social media bans for users under 16, mirroring Australia's recent legislation.

As social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube come under scrutiny for their ability to identify and remove accounts belonging to minors, TikTok's new system has been quietly tested in the EU over the past year. The technology utilizes profile information, posted videos, and user behavior to estimate whether an account might belong to someone under the age of 13.

The system works by analyzing data provided by users, such as their profiles, along with behavioral signals from their activities on the platform. If an account is flagged, it will be reviewed by specialist moderators rather than automatically banned—a move that aims to ensure fairness and accuracy in the process. Users will also have the ability to appeal any account removals that they believe were erroneous. TikTok offers several options for age verification during the appeal, including facial age estimation through the verification company Yoti, credit card authorization, and government-issued identification.

The pilot program in Europe resulted in the removal of thousands of accounts that likely belonged to users under the age of 13. TikTok has stated that this predictive technology aligns with data protection laws, emphasizing that it is solely used to determine whether to escalate an account for a human review. In a recent blog post, the company expressed its commitment to safeguarding its community, especially teenagers, while preserving user privacy. “By adopting this approach, we are able to deliver safety for teens in a privacy-preserving manner,” TikTok wrote.

In response to growing concerns about the safety of young users, TikTok has implemented other protective measures. For instance, under-16s are not permitted to send direct messages, while users under 18 face a screen time limit of 60 minutes and do not receive notifications after a specified bedtime.

This initiative follows Australia’s implementation of a social media ban for users under 16 in December 2022, which has reportedly led to the removal of over 4.7 million accounts across ten platforms, including TikTok, since the ban's enforcement. The Australian eSafety Commissioner announced these figures, highlighting the ongoing efforts to protect younger users in the digital space.

In the UK, discussions around social media bans for young people have gained traction. Recently, Labour leader Keir Starmer opened up to the idea, citing concerns over the excessive screen time among children and teenagers. Reports indicate that even five-year-olds are spending hours in front of screens each day, raising alarms about the potential negative effects of social media on young minds. Previously, Starmer had resisted the notion of a blanket ban, fearing it could push teens toward more dangerous corners of the internet.

Moreover, the discussion around parental rights regarding children's online activities has also intensified. Earlier this month, Ellen Roome called for increased rights for parents to access the social media accounts of their deceased children after her 14-year-old son tragically died following an online challenge.

As governmental entities, like the European Parliament, advocate for stricter age limits on social media platforms, Denmark is pushing to ban social media for users under 15. These developments reflect a growing urgency to address the influence and accessibility of social media on young users.

In conclusion, TikTok’s introduction of its age-verification technology not only highlights the platform's efforts to comply with evolving regulations but also illustrates the broader societal calls for responsible digital environments for youth. As platforms like TikTok navigate the delicate balance between user engagement and safety, the implications of these changes will resonate well beyond the EU, especially in regions like the US, where similar discussions are gaining momentum.