Why Is Everybody Talking About Age Verification for Social Media?
Should social media platforms restrict minors from certain content? Can they do it?
This conversation is gaining traction, and countries like Norway have made it a formal requirement for platforms like TikTok to properly verify their users’ age.
We’ll look at the pros and cons of mandatory age verification on social media platforms, with a special focus on the European Union (EU) and how national electronic identification systems (eIDs) can play a role in resolving this issue.
The argument for mandatory age verification on social media
One major argument for enforcing age verification on social media is to protect minors. Social media platforms are rife with content that is inappropriate for children and teenagers.
From explicit material to cyberbullying, age verification can serve as a barrier to prevent minors from accessing harmful content. It can also restrict their exposure to online predators and reduce the risks of online grooming.
Age verification helps social media platforms comply with existing laws and regulations. Many jurisdictions have strict rules governing the online activities of minors. For instance, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States mandates parental consent for children under 13 to use online services. Age verification helps social media companies adhere to these laws and protect themselves from potential legal liability.
Robust age verification mechanisms can increase trust in digital platforms. Parents in particular will feel more secure when the platform takes active steps to protect younger users. This can improve user engagement and loyalty, as the platform is seen as responsible and trustworthy.
With accurate age verification, social media platforms can curate and promote age-appropriate content. This ensures that users are only exposed to content suitable for their age group, creating a safer, more enjoyable online environment.
The argument against mandatory age verification on social media
One of the biggest drawbacks of age verification is the potential invasion of privacy.
Users may be required to provide sensitive personal information, such as birth dates or government-issued identification. If not adequately protected, this data could be vulnerable to breaches and misuse. The need to balance age verification with user privacy is a complex challenge.
It can be costly for social media platforms—especially smaller companies—to develop and maintain age verification systems. These costs might then be passed on to users in the form of fees or advertisements, which may decrease user engagement.
Mandatory age verification can also worsen the user experience itself. Users may find having to verify their age to be time-consuming and frustrating. In a highly competitive market, some companies could lose users to platforms with more streamlined processes.
Age verification systems are not foolproof, as users can provide false information to bypass the checks. This is a particular challenge with younger users who may not fully understand the implications of providing inaccurate information.
The European Union's stance on age verification
The European Union has proactively addressed the issue of age verification on social media platforms. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into effect in 2018, includes provisions that protect the privacy of minors. According to GDPR, parental consent is required to process the personal data of children under 16 (or lower, depending on the member state).
The EU is also exploring digital identity solutions to enhance age verification. The European Commission proposed creating a European Digital Identity framework to provide a secure and efficient way for EU citizens to verify their identity online. This could include age verification for social media platforms, which helps to ensure compliance with GDPR while protecting user privacy.
National eIDs as a solution for age verification
National electronic identification systems (eIDs) are a promising solution for age verification on social media platforms. eIDs are government-issued digital identities that individuals can use to verify their age and identity online. Here’s how they could play a crucial role in age verification:
Enhanced security
eIDs offer a high level of security and are less prone to fraud than traditional age verification methods. They utilize advanced encryption technologies to protect user data, reducing the risk of breaches and misuse.
Streamlined verification process
eIDs can simplify the age verification process for users. Instead of uploading various documents or entering personal information, eIDs let users verify their age with a single click. This makes the process more efficient and improves the user experience.
Privacy protection
National eIDs are designed with privacy in mind. They let users verify their age without disclosing excessive personal information. This aligns with GDPR requirements and addresses privacy concerns associated with traditional age verification methods.
Standardization and compliance
Adopting eIDs for age verification can standardize the experience across platforms and help them comply with regulations. This is particularly important in the EU, where GDPR sets a high bar for data protection and privacy.
Yes, it’s expensive, but…
The debate over mandatory age verification on social media platforms involves a delicate balance between protecting minors, ensuring privacy, and offering a seamless user experience.
While there are clear benefits to implementing age verification, such as enhanced safety for minors and compliance with regulations, there are also significant challenges, like privacy concerns and implementation costs.
The European Union is at the forefront of addressing these challenges, advocating for robust data protection measures and exploring digital identity solutions. National eIDs are a promising approach to age verification and offer a secure, streamlined, and privacy-conscious solution.
