TikTok rolls out enhanced age detection across European markets
As regulators talk about making social media access harder for young people, TikTok said it would add more age verification tools across Europe. The platform said that new detection systems will use behavioral and content signals to better find users who are underage. These steps are based on pilot programs that already got rid of thousands of accounts belonging to kids under 13.
When possible underage accounts are flagged, trained moderators look them over before making decisions about what to do. Users still have the right to appeal, and they can prove their age through approved identity or payment methods. TikTok says that layered verification makes things more accurate while also protecting users’ privacy and fairness across regions.
Source: The Guardian/Website
New Moderation Processes Target Under 13 Account Access
The new system looks at profile information, posted videos, and patterns of interaction to guess the ages of users. If automated tools show that there are violations, specialists check accounts by hand to make final decisions. This mixed approach is meant to cut down on mistakes and speed up the removal of teen accounts that don’t follow the rules.
TikTok said that government ID checks, credit card checks, and facial age estimation are still available as ways to verify. These processes are run by trusted partners and only used when there is a disagreement. The company says that protections stop misuse while keeping enforcement standards the same across Europe.
Regulatory Pressure Grows as EU Weighs Higher Age Limits
A number of European governments are thinking about passing laws that would limit access to social media for people under the age of 15. Policymakers say that platform self regulation hasn’t done enough to keep vulnerable teens safe. France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Germany are all actively talking about making the digital age limits stricter.
The European Commission is still looking into whether age limit rules should be the same in all member states. Officials are keeping an eye on Australia’s social media age test as a possible policy model. TikTok hopes that taking action ahead of time will have an effect on regulatory outcomes before binding legislation moves forward.
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TikTok Highlights Major Contribution to European Economic Growth
TikTok released data showing how its economic impact is growing across the European Union, along with safety updates. The company says it made €31 billion in economic value in 2025. There were big contributions from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland in many different areas.
TikTok says that more than 200 million European users drive discovery based commerce on the site. This discovery turns interest into sales results that can be measured for businesses of all sizes. The company sees itself as more than just an entertainment platform; it sees itself as a growth catalyst.
Platform Claims Strong Support for Small Businesses and Creators
TikTok says it has helped more than 6.5 million European businesses grow their operations across borders. Last year, small and medium sized businesses were said to have gained €13 billion in economic growth. These gains came from partnerships with influencers who promote products and integrated shopping tools.
The company also thinks it will support about 52,000 jobs in the creative sector in the area. There was more demand and more ways to make money for agencies and production teams that make content. TikTok focuses on the effects on culture and jobs as well as the direct business benefits.
Economic Messaging Aims to Counterbalance Regulatory Concerns
TikTok wants to put ongoing regulatory scrutiny in a bigger picture by publishing economic data that shows how it benefits society as a whole. Executives say that safety risks shouldn’t be the only thing that policy talks about. They should also talk about job growth and innovation. The company thinks that being open and honest makes it easier to talk to European lawmakers and institutions.
Some people, though, say that the economic value of youth involvement doesn’t make up for the possible harms. Regulators are still focused on their duties to be accountable, open, and protect consumers. TikTok says it is still being watched over and is willing to work with the authorities.
EU Oversight Likely to Persist Despite Safety and Growth Claims
Analysts think that European regulators will keep up the pressure even if TikTok makes safety improvements on its own. Past enforcement actions show that economic contributions rarely outweigh compliance expectations. Under changing digital governance frameworks, platforms that work at scale must be watched all the time.
TikTok seems ready to work with regulators for a long time as policies develop. The company keeps changing its tools, disclosures, and governance structures on its own. The way authorities respond will affect the platform’s long term operating environment in Europe.
