TikTok is enhancing its efforts to detect and prevent underage users from accessing its platform by implementing AI age checking technology. Despite the ongoing global challenge of online age assurance and the lack of a universally accepted method that balances privacy and accuracy, TikTok adopts a multi-layered approach to protect teens and ensure age-appropriate experiences. The platform is committed to keeping children off TikTok, providing tailored experiences for teens, and continuously improving its solutions through technology investments and collaborations with regulators, NGOs, and industry stakeholders.
Principles and Approach to Age Assurance
TikTok serves over one billion users globally and follows Community Principles emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility, and human rights. The platform balances its mission to inspire creativity and joy with proactive enforcement of trust and safety policies, considering the proportional risks users may face.
Multi-Layered Age Verification
The minimum age to use TikTok is 13 in most regions. Users must provide their birthdate upon account creation, and those underage are prevented from immediately recreating accounts with different birthdates. TikTok uses multiple signals, including profile images and content referencing birthdays, to verify age. AI technologies piloted in the U.K. have helped remove thousands of under-13 accounts, with plans to expand this technology to the E.U. Moderators are trained to identify potential underage accounts and err on the side of caution, removing suspected accounts when in doubt. Anyone can report suspected underage accounts without needing a TikTok account. These combined methods result in the removal of approximately 6 million underage accounts globally each month.
Age-Appropriate Safeguards
Teen accounts have over 50 built-in safeguards, such as requiring users to be at least 16 to use direct messaging or appear in the For You feed. Teens under 18 have a default screen time limit of 60 minutes and do not receive notifications after bedtime. Content deemed unsuitable for teens is filtered out. TikTok also uses predictive technologies to estimate age ranges (e.g., 13-15) and adjusts user experiences accordingly, with moderators reviewing discrepancies. This technology is currently piloted in Europe with plans for wider rollout.
Fairness and Equity in Enforcement
TikTok suspends tens of thousands of accounts daily for age violations, recognizing the potential real-world impact on users’ livelihoods, especially those earning income through TikTok features. To address errors, TikTok offers a comprehensive age verification system with multiple options, acknowledging that not all users have official identification documents.
Collaboration and Future of Age Assurance
TikTok participates in the Global Multistakeholder Dialogue on Age Assurance, working with organizations like the Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL) and WeProtect Global Alliance to address age assurance challenges and promote sector-wide consensus. The platform is exploring the European Commission’s planned age verification app as a potential tool but stresses the importance of consistent regulatory standards across peer platforms for effectiveness.
TikTok emphasizes its serious commitment to community protection, ongoing innovation, and transparency in its safety efforts for teens and families.
