Ofcom probes TikTok’s child safety protocols amid age verification scrutiny
The communications watchdog is assessing the efficacy of TikTok’s age inference systems and its adherence to child protection mandates, with non-compliance carrying fines of up to 10 per cent of global revenue.
Ofcom, the United Kingdom’s communications regulator, has launched a formal investigation into TikTok to determine whether the social media platform is complying with the Online Safety Act 2023. The inquiry centres on Section 12 of the legislation, which mandates the mitigation and management of risks of harm to children online, and specifically scrutinises the effectiveness of the platform’s age estimation technologies.
The regulator is examining whether TikTok has failed, or is currently failing, to prevent underage users from accessing harmful content. A key focus of the probe is the platform’s reliance on “age inference” systems, which estimate user age based on engagement patterns rather than requiring formal identification documents. This method has drawn criticism in a separate Ofcom report, which noted that such systems require observing a child’s behaviour for a sufficient period to make an informed decision, potentially failing to prevent underage access at the point of entry.
TikTok updated its age verification rules in early 2026, reinforcing its commitment to keeping users under the age of 13 off the platform. The company states that it conducts multiple checks, including the analysis of profile information and published videos, with suspect accounts reviewed by moderators. A spokesperson for TikTok told Engadget that the company strictly enforces age-appropriate experiences through expert-informed rules and advanced technologies, asserting confidence that it meets its legal obligations.
Despite these claims, Ofcom has previously ruled out age inference as a highly effective system for platforms unsuitable for children, such as porn sites. The regulator emphasised that no conclusions about TikTok’s compliance have been reached yet, but highlighted the severe penalties for non-compliance. Fines can reach £18 million or 10 per cent of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater. In serious cases, courts can issue orders requiring third parties, including advertisers, to disrupt the provider’s business.
The investigation follows broader regulatory pressure on social networks in the UK. In May, Meta, Snap, and Roblox committed to tougher anti-grooming measures, whereas TikTok and YouTube did not agree to significant changes at that time. The probe occurs against the backdrop of the UK government’s intention to ban children under the age of 16 from using major social media apps, including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X, starting next year.
