#64 The hard problem of age verification

This week we dissect proposals to introduce online age verification to protect kids from explicit content and other harmful effects of online platforms. There's significant momentum behind the idea, with various technologies being offered as an answer and the Australian government evaluating a roadmap from the eSafety Commissioner and also considering using digital identity as a solution. But the concept has its complications, including privacy implications, the workability of proposed technologies and potential broader effects on online participation.   Links: Govt mulls digital ID for online age verification (InnovationAus) https://www.innovationaus.com/govt-mulls-digital-id-for-online-age-verification/ Online age verification roadmap https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/esafety-provides-age-verification-roadmap-government-for-consideration The Verge article on age verification (The Verge) https://www.theverge.com/23721306/online-age-verification-privacy-laws-child-safety US Bill to protect children from social media https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-cotton-murphy-britt-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-protect-kids-from-harmful-impacts-of-social-media Meta uses AI to verify age on Instagram (AdNews) https://www.adnews.com.au/news/meta-uses-ai-to-verify-age-on-instagram Age verification provider Yoti responds to The Verge https://www.linkedin.com/posts/robin-tombs-6928195_online-age-verification-is-coming-and-privacy-activity-7064599256958951424-1KzX/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Amazon age verification for buying beer https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-one-age-verification   Credits: Music by Bensound.com