Reuters: TikTok will introduce a new method of verifying users' age

TikTok will begin to introduce a new tool to verify users' age in Europe in the coming weeks, Reuters reported on Friday. There is growing pressure around the world for social media platforms to better check users' ages to protect children.

TikTok itself declares that only people over 13 years of age can create an account in the application.

The new verification method, which is to be introduced in Europe, was previously tested for a year in Great Britain. The tool is based on the analysis of profile information, published content and account activities. TikTok said that suspicious profiles will be examined by a moderator and not automatically blocked.

This system has already allowed thousands of TikTok accounts created by children under 13 to be deleted in the UK.

European operators are increasingly examining the ways of verifying age through social media platforms, fearing that current solutions are ineffective or excessively interfere with user privacy – noted Reuters. The tools should also comply with strict EU law on online activities and personal data protection.

There is also a broader debate taking place around the world about limiting access to social media for children. In December 2025, Australia became the first country to ban the use of such websites by people under 16 years of age. A key element of the new law was shifting the responsibility for its application to the platforms themselves.

Similar actions are being considered by, among others, European Parliament and authorities, among others Denmark, Norway, France, Greece, Spain, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.

adj/ap/