IDV Article
Why blanket bans on social media won’t work: The case for proactive age assurance
Blanket bans on social media may sound like a quick fix for protecting young users, but they rarely work in practice. As regulators push for stronger safeguards, platforms need smarter, more scalable solutions. Proactive age assurance offers a more effective path forward, balancing safety, user experience, and compliance.
Courts and regulators worldwide are sending a strong message: blanket bans are ineffective at keeping young users safe online, which is why age assurance is becoming increasingly important. Major platforms are now being held accountable not just for content, but for interactive features, like infinite scroll and algorithmic feeds, that are argued as product liabilities. Despite age bans, nearly 40% of kids ages 8–12 still use social media, showing that simple restrictions don’t keep minors off these platforms. Bans fail to teach digital literacy, and determined kids will always find ways around them.
The real solution lies in implementing robust identity infrastructure that empowers platforms to know each user’s age at sign-up. With this, platforms can create tailored, age-appropriate experiences, such as parental consent and limited feeds for under-13s, restrictions for teens, and seamless access for adults. This proactive approach not only keeps young users safer but also helps businesses stay ahead of shifting legal risks and compliance demands.
Why blanket bans fall short
Blanket bans create a false sense of security. Kids commonly bypass rules, and platforms using checkbox verification or simple age gates are no longer meeting regulator expectations. Global legal systems now demand real, proactive age assurance. Effective identity infrastructure enables platforms to verify every user and deliver meaningful protections without adding friction for adults.
Try the Age Estimation demo
Let users confirm they’re age-eligible with a quick selfie — no ID upload required.
Identity Infrastructure: The key to safer, smarter platforms
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Reliable age estimation can distinguish adults easily but may falter with teenagers, and database checks alone leave gaps for minors with little data. Only a layered identity infrastructure, combining database, biometric, phone, and document checks, can provide the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability needed.
Veriff’s product features are designed with this in mind:
1. Database Verification
Instant, behind-the-scenes age checks using user data minimize friction for most adults. If records aren’t available, the process escalates automatically.
2. Biometric Age Estimation
Users provide a selfie, and machine learning predicts age. Fast, document-free, and escalates only when results are inconclusive.
3. Phone Number-Based Verification
User identity is cross-checked with mobile carrier records, providing an extra layer, especially useful when other checks lack confidence.
4. Document Verification
As a final step, users upload their ID, verified through OCR and facial matching. This layer is reserved for cases needing deterministic proof.
The business case
Adopting robust identity infrastructure isn’t just about compliance; it gives platforms a competitive edge. They can serve adults seamlessly, deliver tailored safeguards for minors, prevent onboarding drop-off, and reduce risk of reputational or legal harm.
Building trust and innovation
Veriff backs its infrastructure with global certifications and continuous innovation—developing features like reusable identity, school ID support, and systems for age milestone notifications.
The scalable path forward
Blanket bans can’t keep kids off social media or satisfy modern regulations. By investing in robust, multi-layered age assurance and identity infrastructure, platforms can protect users, maintain growth, and stay out of court. Connect with Veriff to future-proof your platform’s trust and safety, today.
