Ofcom Launches Inquiry into TikTok’s Age Verification Methods
UK communications watchdog Ofcom has initiated an investigation into TikTok following concerns about the platform’s ability to effectively determine if a user is below 18 years old. These concerns cast serious doubt on the adequacy of TikTok’s methods for age verification.
Released on the same day as its inaugural Age Assurance Report, and just months before an impending ban targeting the usage of TikTok by children and teenagers, Ofcom has flagged potential shortcomings in TikTok’s system. The regulator pointed out that TikTok’s techniques for estimating a user’s age might not be accurately identifying a large number of underage users, potentially exposing them to inappropriate content.
Specifically, Ofcom has taken issue with TikTok’s reliance on “age inference” strategies, which estimate age based on user behavior and activity patterns. According to Ofcom, this method is not recognized as highly effective in their industry guidance, questioning its reliability for discerning users under 18.
Scrutiny Under the New Online Safety Act
TikTok is now under examination under the recently enacted Online Safety Act, which mandates social media platforms to eliminate harmful content and implement robust age verification processes. Ofcom is also applying these regulations in another investigation concerning the Grok AI image tool used by company X.
Should TikTok be found in violation of these regulations, it could face a hefty fine of up to £18 million ($24.3 million) or 10% of its annual global revenue, whichever is greater.
In defense of their practices, a spokesperson from TikTok asserted that their “advanced age inference technologies” are rigorously applied and conform to the standards set by major players in the industry. “Over the eight years since TikTok’s introduction in the UK, we have invested billions in ensuring the safety of our platform,” the spokesperson added. “We believe we comply with the obligations of the Online Safety Act and are keen to collaborate with Ofcom to prove our compliance.”
Impending Restrictions and TikTok’s Commitment to Safety
The scrutiny comes as the UK is set to impose a prohibition on TikTok and other major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for users under the age of 16—a move that makes the UK the second country after Australia to implement such restrictions. Additionally, users aged 16 to 18 will face limitations on their social media usage times, and the government plans to eliminate addictive features like auto-play and infinite scrolling.
Following the announcement of these upcoming restrictions, a TikTok representative emphasized the platform’s alignment with the government’s objectives, highlighting that “teen accounts on TikTok are equipped with over 50 default safety and privacy settings to ensure a secure online environment.”
Ofcom’s Age Assurance report noted considerable improvements in the deployment of effective age verification measures since the introduction of the Online Safety Act, with a significant increase in the number of children encountering these checks.
Moreover, earlier this week, the President of the European Commission announced a commitment to a European Union-wide ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 13.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
