A Call for Age Verification: A Clash Between Privacy and Industry Standards

Lawmakers in several US states and federal lawmakers are considering proposals that would require social media companies to verify the age of their users to protect young children from the harms of the internet. However, the requirement of age-proving technology to keep teenagers away from potentially harmful content online has its own set of risks for children and families. As a result, experts warn that there is no fool-proof age verification technology available or agreement in the industry over what to use.

The most significant concern is the possible introduction of new privacy risks for families and their children with the deployment of age-verification technology on social media platforms. These risks could incentivize companies to collect even more data on children. Further, social media companies already prohibit children under the age of 13 from creating accounts due to restrictions around collecting data from children of that age or younger without parental consent. Still, these terms of service are regularly ignored by young users and poorly enforced by technology companies.

Tech companies currently determine users’ ages using self-declaration, age estimation, and age verification. However, each of these solutions comes with its own levels of potential privacy risks and inaccuracy. To mitigate these risks, some experts suggest that it may be necessary to introduce third-party verification. Julie Dawson, director of regulatory and policy at Yoti, a UK-based identity verification platform, argues that offering a range of verification options is essential so that consumers have choices and platforms have choices.

It is worth noting that there is no “magic bullet” when it comes to age verification technology. However, a one-time identity verification is a way for companies to meet consumers where they are, allowing them to use credentials they already have. Some companies offer digital identity solutions such as Privo and Yoti, among others. Nonetheless, U.S. companies do not have government-backed digital ID solutions, which would solve some of the current privacy challenges.

While requiring age-verification technology may seem like the best way to keep young children safe online, critics argue such age verification laws will not withstand the scrutiny of parents or the courts. The primary concern is that the laws place an additional burden on parents to keep their kids off social media platforms. Social media critics suggest these platforms should use the data they already collect on users to make age estimations instead.

Overall, age verification is a complex issue that requires a delicate balance between privacy, industry standards, and protecting children online. Consequently, industry players should continue collaborating with lawmakers to ensure these regulations take into account privacy and enforceable industry standards.