TikTok Age Verification in Australia

What changed

Since December 10, 2025, TikTok must prevent under-16s from creating or holding accounts in Australia. Since March 9, 2026, TikTok must also verify users are 18+ before they can access restricted content.

TikTok is one of the most heavily affected platforms — it was already under scrutiny globally for its underage user base, and Australia's laws are the strictest in the world.

How TikTok verifies your age

TikTok uses a combination of methods:

• Age estimation technology — AI-based analysis of facial features or account behaviour patterns to estimate whether a user is over 16.
• Document verification — upload of government-issued ID (driver's licence or passport) processed by a third-party provider.
• Existing account data — TikTok may use the date of birth you provided at sign-up, combined with behavioural signals, to infer your age.

If TikTok's systems flag your account as potentially under-age, you'll be prompted to verify. Failing or ignoring the prompt leads to restricted or locked access.

What happens to under-16 accounts

TikTok is required to lock accounts identified as belonging to under-16 users. Content posted by these accounts becomes inaccessible, and the user cannot create a new account until they turn 16 and successfully verify their age.

TikTok has not publicly detailed how long locked account data is preserved.

Privacy tips for adults

• Choose age estimation over ID upload when given the choice.
• Review TikTok's privacy policy for how long verification data is retained.
• Use a VPN to keep your browsing activity private from your internet provider.
• Consider a separate email for your TikTok account if privacy is a concern.

Full privacy protection guide →