Age assurance technology is becoming a topic of conversation in the tech world. This concept deals with confirming a person’s age before granting access to online platforms. It is used to keep minors away from harmful material and give services a more certain way to check if someone meets the required age. Families often consider it helpful because it can reduce how much they must watch a child’s digital activities. Officials also say it meets rules linked to age-based restrictions.
In common settings, these tools see if someone is old enough for a site or app. Checks might ask if the user is older than 13, 16, or 18, depending on the platform’s rules. The information gathered can range from a basic birthdate to a biometric scan. The main concern is to guard young users while respecting privacy.
Groups calling for child safety online have urged more services to examine these checks. Lawmakers have created new directives that press digital platforms to confirm ages. This has led to conversations about children’s rights, teen access, and making sure those without formal ID are not blocked.
There are worries about misuse of personal data. Some parents and children fear hacking or identity theft. Specialists suggest limiting how long data stays on file and explaining the process. Consumer advocates note that transparent language and outside oversight of these checks can improve trust.
How Does It Work?
A number of platforms stick to a box that asks for a date of birth. That is easy to fake, so it rarely fits websites that host content meant for adults. Others prefer stronger ID-based methods, prompting users to scan a passport or driver’s licence. That method brings higher certainty but can exclude those who have no formal IDs.
Certain providers assess user patterns or use AI to detect if an account seems underage. This can involve scanning profile photos or spotting mature words in messages. It might speed things up, but it poses questions for children who learn differently or have special needs.
Another system involves a parent or guardian confirming a younger user. An adult logs in to verify the child’s details. That can help those under 13, but teens often dislike giving parents too much control.
In every instance, privacy is essential. Children’s data must be handled carefully, and personal records should not remain for long. Many campaigners say families will be more open to these checks if they know why data is collected and how soon it is erased.
What Methods Are Common?
Self-declaration is seen often. Platforms simply request a user’s birthdate. It is quick and has minimal data risk, though children can easily enter a false date, so it does not suit places that need strict 18+ safeguards.
ID checks, such as adding passport or credit card scans, deliver added reliability. They can lock out minors who have no official paperwork, though. Adults often worry about saving payment details. Because of this, families might avoid services that insist on rigid ID gates.
Biometric scans, like live selfies, are on the rise. A quick image can approximate whether someone is old enough for a certain age bracket, without tying it to a name. Research shows glitches with darker skin tones or uncommon facial outlines, so many tools keep updating.
Profiling is another avenue. A user’s posts, watch habits, or typing style might indicate if they are an adult or minor. It cuts out an extra stage at sign-up, but might misread a younger child who acts older or a teen with slower reading skills.
What Do Experts See For The Future Of Age Assurance Tech?
Experts believe users should find a way to correct the system’s mistakes. Care for minors and fair access remain the shared priority. Here are some insights they’ve shared:
Komninos Chatzipapas, Founder, HeraHaven AI said:
“Besides Australia, Florida also introduced a bill effective next year that will require age verification for adult websites. Companies like Aylo have declared they will stop serving customers in FL for that reason.
“I personally remain very bullish on age assurance tech. There are two main ways this works right now. Either a face scan that is able to give a rough estimate of age, or a driver’s license scan that can get the exact number.
“Face scanning solutions will get more and more accurate in 2025, but I definitely do not believe they’ll be at a point to pinpoint a user’s exact age, so I would caution against using those to comply with regulatory requirements.
“There are also emerging fintech solutions that are able to verify a user’s age based on their debit or credit card information. These solutions work very well for websites where users have to pay to access, but more financial institutions will need to be onboarded to ensure widespread support. They provide a the best experience for users as the age verification happens behind the scenes.
“I also believe we’ll start seeing “passport apps.” Where users can verify their age using their driver’s license once, and then use said apps to confirm their age on each individual website they visit. We’ll see that happen if more regulatory bodies around the world start requiring age verification, as it would become very annoying for users to have to do a driver’s license scan on each website they visit.”
Missy Clements, Client Services Director, 7DOTS said:
“As a parent working in digital, Australia’s proposed social media ban for under-16s really hits home. We naturally want to protect children from online risks, however digital platforms can also fuel creativity and curiosity. Online spaces, when safely managed, can be powerful extensions of kids’ worlds, helping them learn, connect, and create.
“Age assurance technology has the potential to strike a balance between protecting children and enabling responsible digital experiences. We are now seeing more proactive moves from tech platforms like Meta, with Instagram tightening restrictions on teen use with more built in protections and parental supervision features.
“Instead of blanket bans, a smarter way would be focusing on safety standards, ensuring platforms better police harmful content and helping families navigate the digital world together. Early digital literacy would empower children (and parents) to manage online risks more confidently.”
