The debate surrounding the effects of early access to porn on minors has prompted governments around the world to take action. Countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States have implemented or are considering implementing age verification systems for access to this content. Spain is also preparing its own tool, expected to be ready by the end of summer.
However, there is a growing international consensus on delaying the age at which young people initiate online porn consumption, with the average age in Spain being eight years old according to the Spanish Data Protection Agency. While there is agreement that age verification systems should be implemented to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content, there is debate on how to effectively implement these systems without compromising user privacy.
Various techniques are being used for age verification, including credit card checks, identity card requests, and facial recognition systems. All of these methods involve users sharing sensitive data, raising concerns about privacy and security. In contrast, France has been testing a more privacy-friendly online age verification system that does not reveal user identities to verifiers or websites.
The French method involves a digital intermediary that ensures user anonymity during the age verification process. This approach has been deemed more secure and less vulnerable to hacking compared to other verification methods. The Spanish government is planning to implement an age verification system based on European standards, but details on its implementation and security architecture are still unknown.
The EU’s Digital Services Regulation affects major pornography platforms and requires age verification for users. While many platforms currently rely on self-reporting of user age, the regulations aim to enhance verification processes to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content. The French age verification system presents significant improvements in terms of privacy and security compared to other methods but is not without its limitations, such as potential lack of anonymity for users outside of France.
In conclusion, while there is a growing international consensus on delaying early access to porn for minors, there are concerns about implementing effective age verification systems without compromising user privacy. Various techniques are being used for age verification but some countries like France have implemented more privacy-friendly systems like digital intermediaries that ensure user anonymity during the process.
As governments continue their efforts towards protecting young people from harmful online content it will be important for them
