AGE VERIFICATION SUCKS

Summary

The UK’s new age verification laws, which require platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Discord to verify users’ identities via ID or facial scans, have sparked major concerns. The speaker criticizes the system’s flaws, including privacy risks, unreliable verification methods, and potential loopholes like using fake IDs or VPNs. They express distrust in companies’ ability to safeguard personal data, citing past security breaches. The speaker believes the laws will backfire and worsen issues, offering alternative solutions like limiting phone use in schools to protect children online, but remains highly skeptical of these sweeping measures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The UK has implemented age verification laws that require users to verify their age using ID or facial recognition on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
• 😟 Users are concerned about privacy risks and the security of their personal data when submitting IDs or facial scans to companies.
• 🤔 Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook generally don't ask for age verification but have systems to estimate if someone is over 18.
• 💻 Twitter's solution to age verification is to block all NSFW content for users in the UK unless they verify their age, which some see as a drastic measure.
• 🤖 Discord uses facial recognition to verify age, but the system is prone to errors and could potentially misidentify users as younger or older than they are.
• 🎮 Xbox will implement age verification by mid-2026, and users who don’t comply will be restricted to only adding friends, limiting their interaction with other players.
• 💳 Xbox allows users to verify their age through credit card information, which may be seen as safer than using ID verification, but still raises privacy concerns.
• ⚠️ There is skepticism that these verification systems will be effective in protecting children, as they can easily be bypassed with VPNs or fake IDs.
• 💡 Some argue that the real issue is not children using platforms, but rather the inability of platforms to protect data, given their history of data breaches and poor security measures.
• 👶 The laws are aimed at protecting children online, but the speaker believes the laws may backfire and create more problems than they solve, such as limiting exposure to certain types of content.
• 🔒 The speaker’s ultimate concern is that users' data will not be secure, referencing previous breaches like the T-Mobile hack and the distrust in companies handling personal information.

Q & A

What is the new age verification law implemented in the UK?

The new law in the UK requires platforms to verify users' age by asking for personal identification, such as an ID or a facial scan, before they can access certain content or features on apps.

Why are users concerned about the new age verification laws?

Users are concerned because these laws require them to share sensitive data, such as facial scans or IDs, with companies they may not trust to protect that information. There's also a fear of data breaches and misuse.

Which platforms are mentioned as requiring age verification?

Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Discord, and Twitter are mentioned. These platforms are either introducing or considering age verification methods to comply with the new UK law.

How does YouTube handle age verification?

YouTube generally does not ask users to verify their age but has systems in place to determine if a user is above 18. However, when accessing age-restricted content, users may be required to verify their identity.

What approach did Twitter (X.com) take regarding age verification?

Twitter blocked all not safe for work (NSFW) content for users in the UK, requiring them to verify their age through ID or facial scan to access this content.

What are the concerns about Discord's age verification system?

Discord uses facial scans to verify users’ ages, which is flawed because AI systems may incorrectly verify someone as underage or adult. This raises concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the system.

What is the issue with Xbox's age verification policy?

Xbox plans to implement age verification by mid-2026. If users don't verify, they will be restricted to playing with friends only. The verification process can involve providing credit card information or ID verification, which may not be secure.

How does the speaker feel about giving their ID or facial scan to companies?

The speaker expresses distrust in giving their ID or facial scan to companies, citing the history of data breaches and poor security practices by these companies. They believe this could lead to further privacy risks.

What does the speaker think about the effectiveness of age verification laws?

The speaker believes the age verification laws will likely backfire. They think users will either bypass the verification process using VPNs or fake IDs, rendering the laws ineffective.

What is the speaker's opinion on the broader impact of these age verification laws?

The speaker believes that while the laws aim to protect children online, they are poorly designed and could create more problems than they solve, such as limiting access to important content or encouraging unsafe workarounds.