Age verification for children and teenagers accessing online has become a critical issue in today’s digital landscape. Studies show that one in three Internet users is under 18, so implementing robust age verification systems is now more important than ever.
The primary goal is to ensure that the content and platforms minors engage with are age-appropriate. At the same time, businesses and regulators must address the urgent need to protect minors from privacy breaches and the misuse of personal data. This is especially crucial, as younger users often lack awareness of the risks of sharing their information online.
Efforts to safeguard children and teens focus on preventing exposure to inappropriate online content, shielding them from targeted advertising that exploits their data, and restricting access to platforms like e-commerce or online gambling.
However, a key challenge in the digital era is achieving effective age verification without compromising user privacy.
Age verification methods: What’s changing?
Modern age-verification solutions are critical for ensuring that only individuals of legal age can access products and content designed for adults. Across the globe, governments have enacted stricter regulations to address this issue, with non-compliance leading to serious legal consequences for businesses.
For instance, France now requires certain social media platforms to block access for children under 15 without parental consent. Similarly, U.S. states such as Florida and New York have implemented laws restricting minors' access to social media and adult content websites.
In the past, age verification often relied on self-declaration, where users just confirmed their age. However, this method is easily bypassed, making it insufficient for today’s regulatory standards. Many jurisdictions now require stricter age verification processes that enhance accuracy and privacy.
Advanced age-verification solutions
Businesses seeking compliant and user-friendly age verification systems can leverage innovative solutions. Biometrics is one option, but mobile identity verification, based on cellular data (e.g., SIM card authentication), is quickly emerging as a reliable and privacy-conscious solution.
Mobile identity verification enables businesses to confirm a user’s age by leveraging information linked to their mobile number. For example, it can confirm if the account holder is over 18, detect whether the number is part of a family plan, and identify the primary user of the number.
The advantages of mobile identity (Mobile ID)
Mobile identity (Mobile ID) provides a seamless and secure solution for age verification using a device most children and teenagers already have: a smartphone. These devices can function as personal authenticators, using verified mobile numbers as unique keys for secure online access.
Mobile ID also allows for enhanced customization. When a number is part of a family plan, mobile operators can share additional insights, such as restrictions on specific types of content. This capability helps build a more precise age verification ecosystem, combining biometric technology with mobile data insights to ensure compliance and safeguard online experiences.
Why Mobile ID Is the Future of Age Verification
Mobile identity solutions with biometric data provide a scalable and accurate approach to verifying age. This eliminates outdated, assumption-based methods and paves the way for secure, regulation-compliant access to online platforms.
At Plusmo, we deliver cutting-edge mobile identity solutions tailored to meet regulatory requirements and protect online users. Our tools empower businesses to enhance security, safeguard personal data, and foster trust in the digital world.
