> Online age verification: balancing privacy and the protection of minors
22 September 2022
The CNIL has analysed the main types of age verification systems in order to clarify its position on age verification on the Internet, particularly on pornographic sites for which such verification is mandatory. It specifies how such publishers could fulfil their legal obligations. However, CNIL finds that such current systems are circumventable and intrusive, and calls for the implementation of more privacy-friendly models.
Online age verification: a complex issue with significant privacy risks
Verifying the age of an Internet user is hampered by the difficulty for the various technical stakeholders on the Internet to really know who is the person behind the computer or smartphone. This need to identify Internet users is, in fact, an issue for privacy and personal data protection, since knowledge of an individual's identity can then be linked to their online activity. Yet, this contains particularly sensitive, private information.
In order to visit certain sites or for certain online activities, it is by nature necessary to identify oneself (e.g., to buy a good on an e-commerce site). Age verification, when necessary, takes place in a context where the site publisher already knows certain elements of the identity or personal data of the Internet user (including banking details). On the other hand, where access to the site or an online service does not necessarily require identification, age verification is likely to alter the protection of the Internet user's privacy, by preventing them from visiting the site if they do not provide the publisher with information on their identity.
Informing, raising awareness, and encouraging user control of the systems
Generally speaking, the CNIL recalls the importance of informing and raising awareness among children, parents, legal guardians and staff in the educational community and in youth supervision about good cyber practices, given the growing importance of digital tools in the lives of citizens.
In this respect, as part of its work on the digital rights of minors, the CNIL published general recommendations in August 2021 in which it recalls the requirements it has set to "verify the age of the child and parental consent, while respecting the child's privacy", particularly to comply with the obligations of the GDPR and the Act on minors' access to social networks. Recommendation No.7, in particular, calls for age verification systems to be structured around six pillars: minimisation, proportionality, robustness, simplicity, standardisation, and third-party intervention.
Finally, the CNIL tends to favour the use of systems under the control of users rather than centralised or imposed solutions: from this point of view, the logic of parental control, leading to a sense of responsibility on the part of the household to limit access to sensitive content, seems to be the most respectful of individuals' rights. However, there is a limit to this logic: the law provides that in certain cases, the publishers of sites (e.g., pornographic sites) are responsible for age verification obligations.
Increasing legal obligations for online age verification
French law and some European regulations impose age requirements on the provision of certain services or goods, requiring the sites in question to verify the age of the customer: purchase of alcohol, online gambling and betting, certain banking services, etc. This requirement generally applies both in the physical world and for online access. Website publishers have therefore implemented age verification systems; such systems are generally considered less intrusive because the legal framework already imposes a relatively robust proof of identity, especially since the transaction will result in an online payment.
In addition, some services contractually impose age requirements (e.g., access to application settings for children).
With a view to better protecting young people online, the Commission anticipates an increase in age verification requirements for certain services. More broadly, the increasing digitisation of public and private procedures increases the importance of providing everyone with the ability to issue only proof of a single attribute (proof of majority, proof of residence, proof of diploma, etc.) without revealing the other elements that constitute an identity. The Commission calls for vigilance so as not to disproportionately increase the requirements for online age verification, leading to a reduction in the number of sites that can be freely visited.
For pornographic sites, age verification provided for by law and reaffirmed in 2020
In the specific case of sites disseminating pornographic content, the Law of 30 July 2020 aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence reaffirmed the obligations regarding age verification, which are codified in Article 227-24 of the French Criminal Code. The act of disseminating a "message of a pornographic nature" likely to be seen by minors is thus punishable by law, with the law specifying that age verification cannot result from a simple declaration by the Internet user that they are at least 18 years old.
The Chair of the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom), within the framework of the powers entrusted to it, ordered several pornographic sites, in December 2021, to implement an effective age verification of Internet users. As these orders were not followed up on, in March 2022, the Arcom Chair asked the president of the Paris judicial court, pursuant to the Law of 30 July 2020 to block sites allowing minors to access pornographic content, in violation of Article 227-24 of the French Criminal Code.
On 3 June 2021, the CNIL issued an opinion on the draft decree specifying, for the application of the Law of 30 July 2020, the obligations of sites disseminating pornographic content. On this occasion, it specified some main principles in order to reconcile protection of privacy and youth protection, through the implementation of online age verification systems for pornographic sites:
- no direct collection of identity documentation by the publisher of the pornographic site;
- no age estimates based on the user's web browsing history;
- no processing of biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying or authenticating a natural person (e.g., by comparing, via facial recognition technology, a photograph on an identity document with a self-portrait orselfie).
The CNIL also recommends, more generally, the use of a trusted independent third party to prevent the direct transmission of identifying data about the user to the site or application offering pornographic content. With its recommendations, the CNIL is pursuing the dual objective of preventing minors from viewing content that is inappropriate for their age, while minimising the data collected on Internet users by the publishers of pornographic sites.
In this context, the CNIL issues several recommendations and warnings.
CNIL's recommendations and warnings about online age verification
The need to manage, in the short term, age verification solutions by involving a trusted third party
Age verification criteria that raise important issues
In the context of the use of a trusted third party, recommended by the CNIL in its opinion of 3June 2021, the age verification, in practice, is divided into two separate operations:
- On the one hand, the issuance of proof of age: the implementation of a system to validate the information on the age of the individual, by issuing a proof of age featuring a confidence level. This proof can be issued by different entities that know the Internet user, whether they are providers specialised in digital identity provision or an organisation that knows the Internet user in another context (a merchant, a bank, an administration, etc.). Different solutions are analysed in this paper.
- On the other hand, the transmission of this certified proof of age to the site visited, so that the latter can give access to the requested content or not (note that, as indicated in the PEReN note, a third step consists in analysing the proof of age presented and giving access to the requested content, or not).
These two aspects involve important data protection and privacy issues, particularly to preserve the possibility of using the Internet without revealing one's identity or directly identifying data. Entrusting such functions to different stakeholders makes possible a three-fold protection of privacy:
- the entity providing the proof of age knows the identity of the Internet user but does not know which site the latter is visiting;
- the person who sends the proof of age to the site may know the site or service that the user is visiting but does not know their identity (in the "ideal" solution described below, the proof of age passes through the user, which allows for compartmentalisation between the stakeholders);
- the site or service knows the age of the user (or just their majority) and knows that they are visiting that site, but does not know their identity or, in some cases, the age verification service used.
An independent third-party auditor to best protect individuals' data
In order to preserve the trust between all of the stakeholders and a high level of data protection, the CNIL therefore recommends that sites subject to age verification requirements should not carry out age verification operations themselves, but should rely on third-party solutions whose validity has been independently verified.
For the function of transmitting a validated proof of age to a site, the CNIL recommends the use of an independent third-party verifier, whose use is under the control of the individual.
Such an independent third party would be responsible, on the one hand, for selecting one or more solutions that would make it possible to issue a valid proof of age (see below) and, on the other hand, for guaranteeing to the site visited that the user is of the required age to access the requested content by means of cryptographic signatures that make it possible to verify the authenticity of the information and its source. The demo developed by the CNIL with Olivier Blazy, professor at the École Polytechnique and the Central government digital regulation expertise centre (Pôle d'expertise de la régulation numérique de l'État - PEReN), provides one possible implementation modality (see end of this page). The mechanisms implemented in this proof of concept prevent:
- the third party transmitting the proof of age from being aware of the site visited;
- the site visited from knowing the provider of the proof of age.
This trusted third party could, more generally and beyond age verification alone, take the form of an "attribute management" service, which would offer each user the possibility of disclosing information from well-identified data providers (e.g., an electricity company to certify an address, an identity service to certify an age) and selected by the user themself.
The work of the European Commission is moving in this direction, as shown in the Communication "the new European strategy for a better internet for kids" (PDF), particularly in the context of the proposal for a European Digital Identity.
A necessary assessment of third-party proof-of-age providers
In addition, there also seems to be a general need for third-party evaluation of proof-of-age providers, especially when they implement an approach based on an automatic or statistical analysis.
To this end, and in view of the sensitivity of the data collected and the intrusive nature of age verification systems and, more broadly, of the processing of identity-related information, the creation of a specific label or certification for such third-party stakeholders for the entire proof-of-age management cycle (from its issue to its use) could make it possible to ensure the compliance of the systems with the GDPR (compliance with the principles of minimisation, security of the data collected, and purpose).
The CNIL believes that this certification procedure could be inspired by, and simplify, the existing framework for remote identity verification providers (PVID), which requires ANSSI qualification on the basis of precise, auditable standards.
This certification should be clearly communicated so that each user can easily attest to the quality and reliability of the service offered. When implemented, a non-certified age verification system should not be deployed on a permanent basis, particularly to avoid the use of "fake" age verification services seeking to fraudulently capture personal data (in order to resell it, re-use it for other purposes not authorised by the user, etc.).
An inevitably imperfect verification
With regard to the devices currently available on the market, the CNIL would first like to stress that the effectiveness of age verification tools depends on the operating rules of the Internet, which is designed as an open network, freely accessible to site users and publishers. While this finding should not prevent the pursuit of the legitimate objectives of protecting minors, care should also be taken to preserve the many benefits linked to this open model (innovation, freedom of expression, user autonomy, etc.). The move towards a closed digital world, where individuals are encouraged to register mainly in authenticated universes (via the creation of user accounts) to avoid a multiplication of identity or identity attribute verifications (age, address, diplomas, etc.) presents significant risks for the rights and freedoms of individuals, which need to be taken into account.
At present, all the solutions proposed can easily be circumvented. Indeed, the use of a simple VPN locating the Internet user in a country that does not require an age verification of this order can allow a minor to bypass an age verification system applied in France, or to bypass the blocking of a website that does not comply with its legal obligations. Similarly, it is difficult to certify that the person using a proof of age is the one who obtained it.
For example, in the UK, where such measures have long been considered, 23% of minors say they can bypass blocking measures and some pornographic content publishers already offer VPN services.
If the use of VPNs must be subject to a certain vigilance, it should be stressed that such technologies are also one of the essential building blocks of the security of exchanges on the Internet, used by many companies, but also by individuals wishing to protect their browsing from the tracking conducted by public or private stakeholders.
Analysis of existing solutions
The CNIL has analysed several existing solutions for online age verification, checking whether they have the following properties: sufficiently reliable verification, complete coverage of the population and respect for the protection of individuals' data and privacy and their security.
The CNIL finds that there is currently no solution that satisfactorily meets these three requirements. It therefore calls on public authorities and stakeholders to develop new solutions, following the recommendations described above. The CNIL deems it urgent that more effective, reliable and privacy-friendly devices be proposed and regulated as soon as possible. Article 3 of Decree No. 2021-1306 of 7 October 2021 entrusts Arcom with the task of drawing up guidelines detailing the reliability of the technical procedures that websites must implement to prevent access by minors.
More generally, benchmarks and labelling or certification systems are likely to enable and facilitate the rapid development of trust solutions.
However, there are already mechanisms in place to improve the level of protection of minors, especially the youngest. Several solutions are detailed below, in decreasing order of maturity from the CNIL's point of view. Pending the implementation of a suitable framework, and for a transitional period only, the CNIL believes that some of these solutions may make it possible to strengthen the protection of minors, provided that care is taken with regard to their implementation and in particular to the additional risks generated by their use.
Age verification through payment card validation
Age verification through payment card has the advantage of relying only on already deployed and proven infrastructures. Thus, even if this type of verification is circumventable (since minors may be in possession of payment cards enabling them to make purchases on the Internet) and not accessible to all (since adults may not have such a card, notably because of social discrimination, given the differences in access to a credit card according to income). This solution is already being implemented by a number of stakeholders. The system is based on verifying the validity of the card and not on a payment (although some verifiers process a micro-payment, which is immediately cancelled), which can also be used for access verification on free sites.
Although payment systems are not designed to verify attributes, particularly the age of the cardholder (or their majority), they can help to prevent minors from accessing sites or services not intended for them, subject to certain conditions. Such a system makes it possible, in particular, to protect the youngest children (up to about the age of 10-11 years), who cannot have a bank card for online payments and for whom the likelihood of using a third party's card is the lowest.
On the one hand, such an age verification system should, in principle, not be implemented directly by the data controller (i.e., the website visited) but by an independent third party. On the other hand, the systems put in place should ensure the security of the verification, in order to prevent the risks of phishing that will be associated with it. It is therefore important to ensure that payment information is entered on trusted sites. If this solution is chosen, it would be advisable for website publishers and solution providers to launch a parallel campaign to raise awareness of the risks of phishing, particularly taking into account this new practice. Free access should remain free: there should be no cost to the user to use the system.
Age verification through an estimate based on facial analysis
Some age estimate procedures are based on facial analysis, but are not intended to identify the individual. In order to prevent young people accessing an adults-only service, this type of estimate is often sufficient, as the margin of error is concentrated on minors and minors close to 18 years of age or young adults and adults. However, for those who may dispute the estimate, it is necessary to have an alternative verification method.
The use of such systems, because of their intrusive aspect (access to the camera on the user's device during an initial enrolment with a third party, or a one-off verification by the same third party, which may be the source of blackmail via the webcam when accessing a pornographic site is requested), as well as because of the margin of error inherent in any statistical evaluation, should imperatively be conditional upon compliance with operating, reliability and performance standards. Such requirements should be independently verified.
This type of method must also be implemented by a trusted third party respecting precise specifications, particularly concerning access to pornographic sites. Thus, an age estimate performed locally on the user's terminal should be preferred in order to minimise the risk of data leakage. In the absence of such a framework, this method should not be deployed.
Requirements: To limit the risk of video capture and possible blackmail, age verification solutions using facial analysis should be certified and deployed by a trusted third party in accordance with precise specifications.
The offline verification system
The offline verification method that appears to be the most successful is the marketing of "scratch cards" to adult individuals only, allowing them to retrieve a login identifier and password that would give them access to age-restricted content. Such cards would be offered in certain sales outlets, such as supermarkets or tobacco shops, whose staff already carry out age verifications in connection with the sale of alcohol, cigarettes and gambling.
However, this modality cannot be deployed for the sole purpose of consulting pornographic sites, as it could be stigmatising for the individual concerned. All age-restricted activities should be associated with it, and this model should be promoted by a diverse community of publishers (purchases of regulated products, pornography, etc.). The limitations of such a system would be the same as for the purchase of cigarettes or alcohol, namely fraud by reselling cards on a parallel market.
Requirements: This modality requires specific governance, with an authority issuing the cards and managing the authentication systems.
Age verification through an analysis of identity documentation
Age verification may be carried out by a third-party actor collecting and analysing an identity document provided by the user. Such a system is easily circumvented by using another person's identity document if only a copy of the document is needed (possibility of using a document of another individual who is an adult, even within the household). This system is therefore both unreliable and not very respectful of personal data, as it requires the collection and processing of official proof of identity in order to function.
Some systems verify the identity of the individual by comparing the photograph in the identity document provided with a "live detection test", i.e., the capture of a photograph or video taken by the user at the time of the age verification request, in order to verify that the user is the individual they claim to be, and to counter a possible circumvention of the system. This process is much more reliable and is also used for identity verification according to the ANSSI's PVID standard.
However, as soon as it leads to the processing of biometric data, its use should be particularly regulated and must, in principle, be provided for by a specific legal standard or be based on the free consent of the individuals. If it is to be used, it should be in the context of a certified (or labelled) identity manager, under the conditions set out below.
Requirements: As with the PVID standard, it is necessary to set up a certification (or labelling) body that will make it possible to verify that the necessary guarantees for the collection and analysis of identity documentation are in place.
The use of central government-provided tools to verify identity and age
The use of public databases or an authentication system such as FranceConnect could theoretically make it possible to prove one's age for access to certain sites or online services. However, FranceConnect was not designed with this in mind, but with a view to simplifying administrative procedures: its very operation is based on the logging of uses on central government servers. This method does not therefore appear satisfactory, since it would lead the central government to have a list of connections of a purely private nature. Moreover, with regard to the consultation of pornographic sites, the use of such systems would lead to a risk of associating an official identity with private information and an assumed sexual orientation.
On the other hand, as explained above, the connection of an attribute management service operated by a trusted third party to central government identity systems could be considered.
Requirements: it is necessary to deploy trusted third parties connecting attribute management services to central government identity systems.
Inferential age verification systems
There are three main variations of this type of analysis: the first appears difficult to reconcile with data protection, while the second raises questions of reliability. The third, which also raises important questions, can moreover only be used by a small number of services that already collect a lot of browsing data.
- Importing the individual's Internet browsing history: this method seems too intrusive for the simple purpose of age verification.
- The analysis of the "maturity" by questionnaire: this method seems to be able to avoid the transfer of personal data. However, this method appears to be relatively reliable and the possibility of circumvention is high (online sharing of responses), as are the biases that could be associated with it. For example, a part of the population could be discriminated against on the basis of their skills (reading, comprehension), their level of language proficiency, their cultural references, etc. This method should therefore be avoided.
- Analysis of browsing on the site publisher's own services (particularly the major digital platforms). The reuse of data for age inference (or deduction) models appears to be possible, subject to the following points:
- This method should not, in principle, lead to an automated decision, but to an initial assessment which may, if there is a suspicion of non-compliance with the age requirement, lead to an exchange with the user;
- no additional data should be collected for the sole purpose of building the model (only data already collected is used);
- data produced on the platform's services must be distinguished from data collected by tracking the user's browsing on other sites (e.g., by being authenticated on the platform, by installing a mechanism for tracking access to certain web pages, etc.);
- the inference system should be evaluated by an independent third party, in order to limit its risks.
CNIL's exploratory work on a privacy-friendly age verification system
Whatever technique is used to verify age, it is necessary to ensure its reliability, the confidentiality of the information, and to minimise the data exchanged.
To this end, the CNIL's Digital Innovation Laboratory (LINC), in partnership with Olivier Blazy and PEReN, has demonstrated the feasibility of a system based on a secure protocol using "zero-knowledge proofs": Demo of the privacy-friendly age verification mechanism.
This protocol is based on a process used in cryptology that allows identified individuals to prove a situation without having to reveal any further information.
This demo shows that it is possible, through a third-party system, to guarantee the protection of the individual's identity and the principle of data minimisation, while maintaining a high level of assurance on the accuracy of the data transmitted. However, it assumes that the third parties used are completely independent of the publishers.
Texte reference
Read more
> Recommendation No. 7, in particular, calls for age verification systems to be structured around six pillars
> Demonstration of a privacy-preserving age verification process - LINC
> Digital rights of children
> [FR] Vérification de l’âge en ligne : trouver l’équilibre entre protection des mineurs et respect de la vie privée
Keywords associated to this article
- #Age verification
- #Privacy
- #Security
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FAQs
How do online age verifications work? ›
Today's age verification software determines the online consumer's age by accessing and referencing public databases. Meaning that the software compares the ID used for an online purchase with IDs from these databases and which by doing so, helps prevent fraud.
What are the age verification procedures? ›Age verification can take place by checking documentation such as: · passport or national ID cards · registration cards · birth certificates · other certificates. When children have no birth certificates or other documentation, or have lost these during the crisis, other verification methods must be considered.
Why is age verification important? ›The Importance of KYC and Age Verification
For many, especially financial institutions, gambling firms and fintechs, it's a matter of legal compliance. It's also key to minimizing fraud. Age verification also helps companies selling age-restricted goods and services to operate within the law and keep minors safe.
Why is age verification required? Websites selling certain products must comply with federal and state laws. For instance, tobacco and alcohol products are subject to a federal 21+ age requirement across the U.S. Websites, just like retail shops, are required to make sure you are of legal age before you buy.
Why does Google want me to verify my age? ›Examples. Whilst we currently don't ask for a credit card during sign up, verifying your age through a small credit card transaction is one way to confirm that you meet our age requirements in case your account was disabled after you have entered a birthday indicating you are not old enough to have a Google Account.
What happens if you don't verify your age on Google? ›If you choose not to set up supervision or verify you're old enough to manage your account within 14 days, your account will be disabled and your account information will be deleted after 30 days.
What are the three types of verification? ›The four fundamental methods of verification are Inspection, Demonstration, Test, and Analysis. The four methods are somewhat hierarchical in nature, as each verifies requirements of a product or system with increasing rigor.
What documents do I need for age verification? ›Along with the Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Birth and Death, any other Date of Birth proof like Passport, School Birth Certificate with photograph duly attested by the Principal to be submitted.
Who is responsible for age verification policy? ›The Designated Premises Supervisor
It is therefore the DPS who takes on the responsibility, of not only putting the age verification policy into place, but also to ensure that the staff follow that policy.
Keeping data safe is a big challenge today, so identity verification technology is needed. In addition to preventing forgery and data theft, digital identity verification also plays an important role in speeding up your online transaction process.
What is verification and why is it important? ›
Verification means "proving the truth" or "confirmation". Verification is an auditing process in which auditor satisfy himself with the actual existence of assets and liabilities appearing in the Statement of Financial position.
Why verification is important on social media? ›Benefits of verified accounts
It helps your page show up higher in search results so that potential customers can easily find your account. Some platforms offer verified users access to more tools.
The trouble is that most methods of verifying age create new problems of their own. Requiring material such as a user's credit card or driver's license to buy alcohol or view pornography, for instance, creates privacy issues and new opportunities for data leaks. They also make it hard for users to browse anonymously.
Is it OK to say your age online? ›It is not illegal to lie about your age on an online dating app such as Tinder or eHarmony. However, in misrepresenting your age, you will have violated the Terms of Service of those respective apps. If you're found out, you could face removal from their service or even a lifetime ban.
What is age verification on social media? ›Well, age verification is an online identity verification system that makes it possible to know a person's age. The process uses AI and computer vision to analyze facial features. The aim of age verification is to restrict certain digital content from being shown to young users.
Is it safe to verify your age on Google? ›If you upload a copy of your ID, your ID will be securely stored, won't be made public, and will be deleted after your date of birth is successfully verified. Google may use your ID to: Confirm your ID is current and valid. Confirm you're old enough to access certain content, features, or services.
Why is Google deleting my account because of age? ›Your account may be disabled if you provided a date of birth that does not meet the minimum age requirements to own a Google Account. If you incorrectly entered your date of birth and your account has been disabled, learn how to re-enable your Google Account.
How do I stop Google from verifying me? ›- Open your Google Account.
- In the "Security" section, select 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in.
- Select Turn off.
- A pop-up window will appear to confirm that you want to turn off 2-Step Verification. Select Turn off.
Can you get in trouble for lying about your age on Google? So, yes it violates the policy Google has in place that deals with what you are suppose to do when you create accounts. As such, it is possible that such a lie could later lead to the account being suspended/deleted.
Why is Google asking me to verify my identity? ›Google uses the info that you provide to: Verify your identity or payment method. Protect against fraud and abuse. Improve verification services for Google products.
What are the three most common methods used to verify identity? ›
Many important processes require the applicant to complete identity verification to prove that they are who they claim to be. Methods include facial verification, fingerprint matching, and comparing biometric data from verified sources to the person being checked.
What is an example of verification? ›Verification means conducting a review to confirm a process was performed correctly. Verification answers the question "How do you know it actually happened?" Example: A manager in a cookie factory reviews production records to confirm that the cookies were baked to the temperature described in the recipe.
Which verification method is most popular and why? ›Two-factor authentication (2FA)
The two-factor (or multi-factor) authentication process is one of the most common types of verification methods which generally requires users to provide a username, token, and password before accessing their accounts.
Conduct a DL Check. People generally possess a variety of official documents that attest to their age and/or date of birth. Most common among these is a driver's license or DL check.
What does it mean to be verified online? ›Account verification is the process of verifying that a new or existing account is owned and operated by a specified real individual or organization. A number of websites, for example social media websites, offer account verification services.
What is the best way to verify identity online? ›- Two-Factor Authentication. This is a fairly standard method of identity verification, also sometimes referred to as 2FA or multi-factor authentication (MFA). ...
- Knowledge Authentication. ...
- Credit Bureau Authentication. ...
- Database Authentication. ...
- Zero-Knowledge Proof.
Verification is the process of making sure software accomplishes its goals without mistakes. It is the process for figuring out whether or not the product being generated is accurate.
How do you explain verification? ›Verification is a process that determines the quality of the software. Verification includes all the activities associated with producing high quality software, i.e.: testing, inspection, design analysis, specification analysis, and so on.
Why do we need security verification? ›When they use your website or give their data to you, they need assurance it will be kept safe and secure. Having a strict ID verification system in place helps protect against fraud and gives the client the assurance of knowing you take their personal information seriously. It also helps you know your customer.
Should social media have an age limit? ›Due to the various dangers and effects of social media, it is necessary that parents restrict their children from using social media until at least 13 years old. At that age, they may introduce those apps to their children so the process becomes more gradual and easier to monitor.
Why does age matter on social media? ›
Every social media platform has an age restriction, and most require a minimum age of 13 for users. The age restriction exists so young kids don't find themselves looking at inappropriate content, contacting strangers or engaging in cyberbullying.
How is social media not age appropriate? ›Social media can also pose risks. For your child, these risks include: being exposed to inappropriate or upsetting content, like mean aggressive, violent or sexual comments or images. uploading inappropriate content, like embarrassing or provocative photos or videos of themselves or others.
Why is Instagram making me verify my age? ›We ask for birthday information to help ensure that underage people aren't using Instagram. This includes everyone, whether the Instagram account represents you personally, or if the account was created for something else (example: accounts dedicated to a pet, hobby, or brand).
How do I fix my age verification on Instagram? ›- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Go to your profile and tap in the upper right corner.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Account.
- Tap Personal Information.
- Tap next to Birthday.
- Select your date of birth and tap Done.
The review process may take up to two business days, and while we review your video selfie, you will not have access to your account until we confirm it's you. If you pass our review, you'll receive an email from Instagram at the secure email address you provided and will receive a link to reset your password.
How do websites verify your ID? ›Online identity verification is done by checking ID documents, using biometrics authentication, or looking at a user's digital footprint. The key is to combine as many sources as possible to be sure you are dealing with the right person – without adding too many verification steps in the customer journey (friction).
How do websites know if you are 21? ›With an age gate, a visitor to such a site is asked to put in their date of birth or otherwise represent their age before entering an age-restricted site or purchasing a product. Nothing is done to check the information provided by the website visitor.
How do websites know you're 21? ›Some states also require that companies selling liquor online make an effort to verify age at the point of purchase, by having customers email a scanned ID or using a third-party service to verify age, such as LexisNexis or IDology, which utilize public information to verify that a customer's name and address ...
Can websites track your identity? ›Device fingerprinting uses your browser's unique configurations and settings to track your activity. Companies may also use techniques to connect your identity to the different devices you use to go online — say, your laptop and your smartphone — and then tailor ads to you across all your devices.
How do I pass my online ID verification? ›...
Tips before you start
- A valid ID document.
- A video selfie.
- (Optional) A proof of address or additional ID document.
What is not acceptable when verifying ID? ›
Social media is not an acceptable source of information to verify a person's identity. Also, the source cannot be the person whose identity is being verified, nor you, the RE who is verifying identity.
Why can't my identity be verified online? ›You may not be able to use online verification for the following reasons: You did not enter a SSN on your form. You have a limited credit history. You are the victim of identity theft.
Can my parents see my browsing? ›Anyone with access to the Wi-Fi router's admin panel can check your browsing history. It doesn't matter if it's at home, school, or public Wi-Fi zones. Most modern routers keep a log of connected devices, event timestamps, bandwidth used, and visited website URLs and/or IP addresses.
Why do websites Check if your human? ›CAPTCHA is an acronym for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart," and it was invented by Carnegie Mellon academics in 2000. The purpose of CAPTCHA codes is to stop software robots from completing a process by including a test only humans can pass.
Can my parents see my website history? ›But in case they do, you should be careful. Depends on your browser settings (browsing history/autofill) and if your parents are using the same computer. THE SHORT ANSWER IS YES!
Which websites have my data? ›- Go to your Google Account Settings.
- Click on Security in the menu on the left.
- Scroll to Connected applications and sites.
- Click Manage access.
- Review the list of websites and revoke access if needed.
Because on almost every website there are trackers that record virtually everything you do online, usually without you knowing anything about it. In order to make trackers visible on websites and to prevent private data transfer to third parties, the use of an anti-tracking tool like Ghostery is recommended.
How can you protect your privacy when you're online? ›- TIP#1. Create strong passwords. ...
- TIP#2. Never use the same password on multiple accounts. ...
- TIP#3. Lock your device. ...
- TIP#4. Always log out of browsers. ...
- TIP#5. Make sure there is an https in the browser address bar. ...
- TIP#6. Do not log in on personal accounts on free or public wifi. ...
- TIP#7. Install an Anti-Virus…and update it. ...
- TIP#8.
However, the websites also load content – flash, images, social buttons and ads – from other servers that also send cookies. These 3rd party cookies track your browsing and feed the info to advertisers. Across the most popular sites, advertising, analytics and beacons are the most prevalent methods of tracking.