TikTok Age Verification in Italy - New DPA Order

TikTok to Re-Verify User Ages in Italy Following Safety Concerns

TikTok has reached an agreement to re-verify the age of all users within Italy, and will restrict access for those indicating they are under the age of 13. This action was announced today by the nation’s data protection agency.

Age Verification Process

Beginning February 9th, every TikTok user in Italy will be required to complete the age verification process once more. Only individuals confirmed to be 13 years of age or older will be permitted to continue utilizing the application.

Accounts associated with users who report being younger than 13 will be permanently deleted.

Trigger for the Action

This comprehensive re-verification follows an emergency order issued by Italy’s GPDP on January 22nd. The order stemmed from the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl from Palermo, who succumbed to asphyxiation while participating in a dangerous “blackout challenge” circulating on the social media platform, as reported by local news outlets.

TikTok was initially given until January 29th to respond to the GPDP’s directive. The agency has now confirmed the measures TikTok has committed to implementing.

AI and Monitoring

Alongside the mandatory re-entry of birthdates, the GPDP stated that TikTok will explore the potential of utilizing AI-based systems for age verification.

The Italian data protection authority will closely monitor the efficacy of TikTok’s age verification procedures.

Challenges of Online Age Verification

The current age-check system employed by TikTok, which relies on user-submitted birthdates, is relatively easy to bypass. However, establishing foolproof age verification online presents significant challenges.

Implementing overly strict identity checks could unfairly limit service access and potentially compromise online anonymity, privacy, and freedom of expression.

Balancing Safety and Privacy

Conversely, there are increasing public concerns regarding the exposure of underage users to inappropriate and potentially harmful content online.

EU Regulations and Cooperation

While TikTok’s primary data supervisor within the European Union is Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), the GDPR allows national DPAs to intervene in emergency situations to protect users, a provision utilized by the GPDP in this case.

The GPDP indicated that TikTok has committed to “further consider the deployment of AI-based systems” to more accurately identify users under the age of 13.

TikTok will also initiate discussions with the Irish DPC regarding the use of AI for age verification, as Ireland serves as TikTok’s main establishment within the EU.

Irish DPC Response

The Irish Data Protection Commission confirmed it is engaging with TikTok to assess the measures implemented to identify child users and protect vulnerable individuals. The regulator will evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in safeguarding personal data.

Enhanced Reporting Mechanisms

In response to the GPDP’s intervention, TikTok has introduced an in-app button enabling users to easily report accounts suspected of belonging to individuals under the age of 13. These reports will be reviewed by moderators and appropriate action taken.

Increased Moderation

TikTok has also pledged to double the number of Italian moderators responsible for overseeing platform content.

TikTok’s Statement

Alexandra Evans, TikTok’s head of child safety, emphasized that user safety is the company’s top priority. She announced additional steps to support the TikTok community in Italy, including the re-implementation of the age gate and the introduction of the new reporting button.

Evans affirmed TikTok’s ongoing investment in people, processes, and technologies to maintain a safe and positive environment for its users.

Information Campaign

TikTok will launch a local information campaign starting February 4th to raise awareness among parents and children regarding age checks and other child-safety features, utilizing both the app and media channels.

Users will receive push notifications before access is blocked, informing them of the need to re-enter their age. Banners will also be displayed with links to security tools and profile settings.

Improved Privacy Notice

The GPDP also noted that TikTok has agreed to revise the wording of its privacy notice for users under 18, ensuring it is easily understandable and user-friendly.

GPDP Awareness Campaign

In addition to TikTok’s efforts, the GPDP will launch its own child safety awareness campaign on national television, in collaboration with the child protection charity Telefono Azzurro. This campaign will encourage parents to actively supervise their children’s app usage.

The campaign will emphasize the importance of parental oversight when children are prompted to enter their age on the platform.