UK telecoms regulator Ofcom launched a formal investigation into TikTok's age-verification systems after finding the platform fails to protect minors adequately. The probe centers on whether TikTok complies with the Online Safety Bill, which requires platforms to implement robust age-assurance mechanisms for young users.
Ofcom's May review flagged serious gaps in TikTok's safeguards, determining the app was not "safe enough" for children. The investigation will examine if TikTok's current age-checking processes meet legal standards and protect under-18 users from harmful content, including material linked to eating disorders, self-harm, and dangerous challenges.
This move aligns with mounting regulatory pressure across Europe and North America. The EU has pursued similar probes under its Digital Services Act, while the US has considered outright bans. TikTok's algorithm, designed to maximize engagement, has faced repeated criticism for algorithmically pushing extreme content to younger audiences.
The platform claims it uses technology and human review to age-gate content, though critics argue these measures remain porous. Ofcom can levy substantial fines under the Online Safety Bill, with penalties reaching up to 10 percent of global revenue or approximately £12.7 million per breach, whichever is greater. For TikTok, valued at up to £50 billion, such penalties carry real weight.
The investigation carries broader implications for the creator economy and short-form video platforms. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts face comparable scrutiny, but TikTok's algorithm remains the focal point of regulatory concern. A TikTok spokesperson stated the company takes child safety "seriously" and cooperates with regulators, though the company has consistently defended its moderation approach.
Ofcom's formal action signals a hardening stance on platform accountability. The regulator now actively enforces the Online Safety Bill rather than relying on industry self-regulation. For TikTok, this investigation could force operational changes in how the platform verifies user age and distributes content to minors across the UK market.