Electronic Identification Verification is one of the easiest systems that can be deployed for the protection of minors online. With an ever-increasing population of young people bypassing the age verification systems currently set in place, today electronic identification verification for age checks has become an absolute necessity.
Minor safety should be one of the top priorities for any business dealing with age-sensitive content. The protection of minors in every capacity is essential for all businesses and other entities and is a legal requirement in most parts of the world. Causing harm intentionally, or through neglect, to any child is a criminal offense and can have serious consequences such as hefty fines or licenses revoked.
The internet is full of predators eyeing young children. According to UNICEF, every one in three children uses the internet, and similarly, every one in three internet users is below the age of 18. With over 60% of internet users being minors, document verification becomes the only way to protect them against those actively trying to harm them.
[H2] Why we need electronic age verification to protect kids
According to the WeProtect Global Alliance, about 54% of all minors online have received one or another form of sexually explicit content.
There is also evidence that “online enticement” which is another word for online grooming of children is a widespread crime with no exact data available due to a lack of legislation. Grooming can have serious implications for children, with many being lured in for reasons ranging from trafficking to online sexual abuse.
Minors being present online utilizing gaming or gambling forums as well as on dating sites is also a major issue widely prevalent today despite bans on them being allowed to use these forums. Children are easy to be manipulated and coerced which can risk their safety as well as money. While many online gaming and gambling sites do attempt to execute online ID checks they usually fail when it comes to authenticity. Traditional electronic identification verification for age checks is limited to a yes or no question and teens can very easily slip through them.
[H2] How electronic ID verification can help when it comes to child safety
Electronic identification verification offers much scope within the space of online child safety. With domains ranging from gambling sites to simple google profile age verification, EID checks during digital onboarding as well as regular e check verifications can help websites and businesses filter out minors or optimize their content for minors.
Understanding electronic identification verification technology and its processes before implementation is key to harnessing maximum benefits.
[H2] What is electronic identification verification and how it works
An e ID is the digital form of an ID that can be used for online ID verifications. The process of electronic identification utilizes the services of electronic verification service providers. These service providers harness state-of-the-art modern technology to match user facial data against a database of faces or a pre-submitted reference image.
The electronic identification verification for age checking process works by asking the user to submit a photo ID or live webcam image. The images or webcam results are matched to report a positive or negative match.
[H2] Electronic identification verification for age checks on social media
While most social media sites have a requirement of only 13+ year olds being allowed online, it is common knowledge that a lot of kids use these sites. According to a report by the nonprofit organization Thorn, about 45% of those below 13 use Facebook, and 40% are active users of Instagram.
Social media is one of the biggest red zones for online grooming, and the inclusion of electronic identification verification steps during the onboarding or sign-up process can help filter out underage kids from these sites and thus protect them from potential harm.
With Meta considering developing a kids-only Instagram app, electronic identification verification essentially will become necessary to bifurcate the two age groups.
[H2] Using electronic age verification for filtering minors from gaming and gambling sites
Electronic identification verification is essential for online gaming/gambling websites for age verification for KYC compliance, as well as for AML regulations. When we talk about age verification, these laws are mainly set in place with the goal of stopping underage gambling. Within e-gaming, the goal is to filter young people from games with age-sensitive content such as gore and violence. Minors are also easier to be taken advantage of and can be manipulated into scams.
Electronic identification verification services offer smooth processes for gamers as well as companies. While age verification helps keep minors off ground from adult activities, it also helps keep adults and potential predators away from children by barring them from apps and games designed only for children. With as many as 50,000 children under the age of 17 having used online gambling today, electronic identification verification is key to offering a safe space for young children to experience the digital age.
