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How Does Age Verification Work for Tech Platforms to Verify Their Users' Ages?

How Does Age Verification Work for Tech Platforms to Verify Their Users' Ages?

Dan M568 28-Mar-2023

Technology can enhance our lives. It simplified and changed our lives. The Internet makes long-distance communication easier. This strengthened global connections. With all the positive effects technology has on children, it's no wonder that its use is on the rise.

Nonetheless, there are dangers associated with children's use of various forms of technology. Due to their young age, they might not be familiar with specific online resources or fully grasp the implications of their actions. They risk cyberbullying or inadvertently disclosing personal information about themselves.

To help today's youth, all technology platforms must require users to prove their age before gaining access.

How Does Age Verification Work?

The first step in the age verification process is collecting information about the user being verified. This generally includes their name, address, birth date, and other details to confirm their identity. Once this information has been collected, it will be stored in a database and used later when verifying other users or performing other tasks within your system.

Digital platforms can determine user ages in several ways. These methods include:

Personal Information: Technological platforms usually use personal data to determine a user's age. It involves asking users for their birthdays and social security numbers.

Payment Information: If you're buying something online, just provide your payment information to prove you're over 18. Credit or debit cards are usually used for this.

Device Information: If a platform can access your device, they can check any age restrictions (like an 18+ restriction) to determine if a minor uses it.

Risks of Not Using Age Verification Software

The problem with technology platforms is that they are not only a place for entertainment but also a place for business and education. These two elements come together to form the most vulnerable point of all: users' privacy. Technology platforms are used for various purposes, such as by educational institutions and businesses, where sensitive data like bank accounts, credit card details, and user information is stored.

Without an online age verification system to determine customers' ages, companies can't guarantee their platforms are suitable for end users. What would happen if minor kids watched adult video content? The findings may be concerning because adolescent and young adult mental and physical health is affected by adult activities. The resource provider is also at risk.

The dangers of not being able to control who sees your content are numerous:

Child Exploitation: Child exploitation laws are becoming stricter and stricter worldwide. Brands that allow minors access to adult content can get fined or even banned from the industry for good.

Brand Image at Stake: In this digital age, people have come to expect transparency from brands and businesses. Suppose you don't have an effective way to prevent minors from accessing your platform. In that case, you'll likely lose customers as they start noticing how easy it is for kids to access inappropriate content online.

Legal Liability: The law regarding child exploitation is getting stricter worldwide. There are already multiple lawsuits against technology platforms for allowing children access to adult content on their platforms without any form of age verification requirement.

Technology Industries Which Need Age Verification

Video Game Software

Most people enjoy playing video games, which can keep their minds active. Today's video games don't meet child-safety standards. Some games have violent or sexual content. Some games require an adult account to play.

This can be frustrating for parents who want their kids to play these games but not be exposed to inappropriate content. They should also monitor their kids' computer use to ensure they don't play these games without permission.

One solution is online age verification software. Software that lets your platform create an age-restricted profile enables your minor user to restrict the games they can play on their computer to those appropriate for their age. 

Content Distribution Platforms

Most internet content is distributed via content distribution platforms. These platforms aim to simplify global information access. They have videos, audio, documents, and more.

Websites are easily accessible to anyone who wants to use them. Because of this, children without consent can easily access inappropriate content and gain access. Content distribution platforms must have an age verification solution to ensure that only adults can use their platforms online. 

Digital Marketplace Platforms

Digital marketplace platforms allow people to buy and sell goods over the Internet. Millions of people around the world use these platforms. Online marketplaces give customers the ability to shop using computers or mobile devices. These platforms frequently implement various age verification methods to prevent children from using them.

Digital marketplaces selling age-restricted products or services must monitor their platforms to prevent minors from making financial transactions. Thus, the age verification of customers is necessary. By verifying the buyer's age, the vendor can only allow adult purchases and reduce the likelihood that children will use age-restricted products.

Engagement Platforms

The use of social media platforms is widespread across all age demographics. Children, teenagers, young adults, and other social media users use these platforms to connect with friends and family.

Engagement platforms enable businesses to engage with current and prospective customers. They are social media platforms for networking with customers and industry professionals.

However, some social media users commit cyberbullying and other forms of fraud. These cases exist. Using an age verification system also prevents many cases of identity theft.

The government has passed laws requiring social media platforms to implement identity verification solutions to stop these illegal activities. Most nations enforce these laws, not the international community.

Web Platform

The number of websites hosted on the Internet continues to grow daily. These websites mainly offer entertainment and education. Some are adult entertainment websites, and research shows that younger age groups are increasingly interested in them.

Age verification is necessary to prevent minors from using online platforms. This will prevent minors from accessing your website and viewing adult content.
 

Conclusion

Technology has helped many companies. Businesses can now reach global markets and customers through the Internet.

However, technology is becoming more accessible to children too young to use it responsibly. Smartphones are typically introduced to children at nine years old. Businesses must protect themselves from legal action if minors use mobile apps and websites. Your website or app should only be accessible to adults, so you must implement an age verification system on your platforms.


Updated 28-Mar-2023
Daniel Martin is a digital marketing professional with years of experience in the field. He has a proven track record in building high-performance teams that produce engaging content enjoyed by millions of users. Dani's unique combination of creative and innovative thinking has helped him solve complex challenges for clients in a wide range of industries. When he's not working, he enjoys photography and playing the carrom board.

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