Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has launched an investigation into TikTok's age verification practices for child users. The probe follows a damning May review that found the platform failed to implement adequate safeguards for younger audiences.
The regulator's scrutiny centers on whether TikTok meets age-gating requirements under the Online Safety Bill, which became law last year. The platform must demonstrate robust systems to prevent children below 13 from accessing adult content and verify user ages at signup. TikTok currently allows sign-ups but relies on self-reported age data, a method Ofcom flagged as insufficient during its earlier assessment.
The investigation carries serious consequences. Under the Online Safety Bill, regulators can impose fines reaching 10 percent of global revenue for non-compliance. TikTok reported 2023 revenues around $15 billion, making potential penalties substantial. The platform already faces regulatory pressure across multiple jurisdictions. The US Senate passed legislation in April that could force a TikTok sale or ban, citing national security concerns. Meanwhile, the EU has begun enforcement actions under its Digital Services Act, fining TikTok €12.7 million in February for inadequate child protections.
TikTok's struggles with child safety extend beyond age verification. The platform removed millions of videos violating youth protection rules and suspended countless accounts operated by minors in recent months. Critics argue the scale of removals suggests systemic failures in its moderation infrastructure.
The Ofcom investigation represents the latest regulatory reckoning for a platform valued at $50 billion but increasingly targeted by governments globally. TikTok maintains it invests heavily in safety features, including supervised mode tools for younger users. The company faces a tightening enforcement landscape where compliance failures directly translate to financial and operational risk.