### TikTok's New Age-Detection Technology: A Response to Regulatory Pressure in Europe In response to increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding child safety online, TikTok is set to implement new age-detection technology across Europe. This initiative aims to enhance the platform's ability to identify and manage accounts belonging to users under the age of 13. The move comes amid growing concerns from regulators about the effectiveness of current age verification methods, which have been criticized for being either ineffective or overly invasive. TikTok's new system, which has been developed in collaboration with Ireland's Data Protection Commission, will analyze user profile information, posted videos, and behavioral patterns to assess the likelihood of an account belonging to a child. This technology follows a year-long trial in select European countries, which demonstrated its potential to improve age policy enforcement without relying solely on self-reported ages [https://www.nation.com.pk/17-jan-2026/tiktok-roll-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/technology/3771780-tiktok-launches-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe]. ### Structure of TikTok's Age-Detection Initiative 1. **Introduction of New Technology** - TikTok will roll out age-detection technology across Europe in the coming weeks to better identify accounts of users under 13 years old [https://sundayguardianlive.com/feature/exclusive-tiktok-to-tighten-age-checks-in-europe-as-regulators-ramp-up-pressure-2-164840]. 2. **Objectives and Methodology** - The primary goal is to evaluate accounts held by users under 13, utilizing AI to analyze profile data and user behavior [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/tiktok-to-tighten-age-checks-in-europe-as-regulators-ramp-up-pressure]. - Accounts flagged by the system will not be automatically removed; instead, they will be reviewed by trained moderators [https://www.nation.com.pk/17-jan-2026/tiktok-roll-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe]. 3. **Regulatory Context** - The rollout is in response to increasing regulatory pressure in Europe, where governments are advocating for stricter age verification measures [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/technology/3771760-tiktok-launches-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe]. - Other countries, like Australia, have already implemented bans on social media use for individuals under 16, prompting similar discussions in Europe [https://www.nation.com.pk/17-jan-2026/tiktok-roll-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe]. 4. **Privacy Considerations** - TikTok emphasizes that the new technology is designed with data protection regulations in mind, addressing concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of age verification [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/technology/3771760-tiktok-launches-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Trial Results**: A trial run in the UK resulted in the removal of thousands of accounts associated with users under 13, demonstrating the technology's effectiveness [https://www.nation.com.pk/17-jan-2026/tiktok-roll-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe]. - **Regulatory Backdrop**: The European Parliament is considering tougher age restrictions, with Denmark proposing a ban on social media platforms for users under 15 [https://www.nation.com.pk/17-jan-2026/tiktok-roll-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe]. - **Collaboration with Experts**: TikTok is working with age-verification service Yoti, which also collaborates with other major platforms like Meta [https://www.nation.com.pk/17-jan-2026/tiktok-roll-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe]. ### Conclusion: TikTok's Strategic Response to Regulatory Demands In summary, TikTok's introduction of new age-detection technology is a strategic response to mounting regulatory pressures aimed at protecting children online. The initiative is structured to enhance the identification of underage users while balancing privacy concerns. Key points include: 1. **Implementation of AI Technology**: The new system will analyze user data to identify accounts of children under 13. 2. **Regulatory Compliance**: The rollout aligns with increasing demands for stricter age verification across Europe. 3. **Focus on Privacy**: TikTok aims to ensure that the technology respects user privacy while effectively enforcing age policies. This comprehensive approach reflects TikTok's commitment to improving child safety on its platform while navigating complex regulatory landscapes [https://www.nation.com.pk/17-jan-2026/tiktok-roll-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/technology/3771760-tiktok-launches-new-age-detection-technology-across-europe].