Verification of Age Arrives on X, With Possible Unverifiability for Some Users
In the digital realm, the popular platform X (formerly Twitter) is implementing stringent age verification measures to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act. For users in the UK, the verification process involves a combination of methods, including self-attested age, previous ID verification history, account creation date, and verification badges.
However, a Reddit user in Spain has reported an ongoing issue, receiving the "due to local laws" message even after verifying their ID and subscribing to X Premium. It remains unclear whether user-involved age verification can currently be done on X.
The platform collects an image of the ID and a selfie, which include face data and data extracted from the ID. X uses third-party services such as Au10tix, Persona, and Stripe for ID verification, with Stripe being utilised for creators in the US. If the initial verification signals are insufficient, X requires manual age verification through either uploading a government-issued ID or using facial age estimation by submitting a live selfie.
Some users attempt to bypass age checks on X using VPNs, changing their IP address to countries without strict enforcement of age verification, such as the US or Canada. While the use of VPNs in the UK is legal, it is against X's terms of service and could potentially lead to account warnings, feature restrictions, or suspension.
The surge in VPN usage in the UK has been significant, with many providers observing a notable increase in sign-ups as users seek ways to bypass age verification checks. However, it's worth noting that VPNs alone may not be enough to unblock content on the app.
X's ID Verification policy states that the service is available globally for X Premium subscribers. Yet, some users are unable to verify their age on X, and others can only do so by subscribing to X Premium.
The debate regarding potential privacy risks associated with X's age verification process is heated, with strong opinions on both sides. X offers two methods for user-involved verification: facial age estimation and ID verification.
In a concerning development, some users have reported that two types of ID are required for verification, even after purchasing X Premium. Additionally, there have been reports of the ID verification systems on X being "offline."
The UK's communications regulator, OFCOM, has discouraged the use of VPNs to bypass checks, leading to speculation about a potential ban on VPNs. The Online Safety Act has led to a number of websites and apps, including X, asking Britons to verify their age.
In light of these issues, X users are advised to carefully review the platform's terms of service and consider the potential risks and benefits associated with age verification methods. It's crucial to maintain a secure and responsible online presence.
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- In the industry, platforms are implementing stricter age verification measures to adhere to regulatory requirements.
- The digital finance sector is witnessing a rise in user-involved verification processes.
- Cybersecurity concerns persist as personal data collected for age verification remains vulnerable to breaches.
- Lifestyle shifts towards digital experiences are driving the need for improved identity verification solutions.
- Businesses across sectors are increasingly adopting advanced age verification systems.
- Careers in technology are being reshaped by the growing demand for data privacy and cybersecurity in finance and cybersecurity sectors.
- The banking-and-insurance sector is investng heavily in data security and fraud prevention methods, including age verification.
- Fintech industry leaders argue that robust age verification measures can reduce identity theft and unauthorized financial transactions.
- Data-and-cloud-computing companies are developing AI-powered tools to streamline age verification and improve user experience.
- The technology industry is thriving with the increasing demand for innovative age verification solutions.
- An underground market for selling fake IDs has emerged, posing a challenge to the effectiveness of age verification systems.
- Blackjack enthusiasts find it amusing that their online gaming experiences now require stringent age checks.
- When it comes to big-wins, the thrill of victory is multiplied by the added challenge of bypassing age verification checks.
- With the increasing popularity of online shopping, age verification processes are becoming essential to ensure minors are protected.
- Social-media platforms are under pressure to implement stricter age verification measures to safeguard children from explicit content and predators.
- Casino-and-gambling websites are embracing age verification to combat illegal activities and promote responsible gambling.
- Casino-games providers are adding age verification checks to their apps to comply with gaming regulations.
- Slots enthusiasts are struggling with age checks on various platforms, causing frustration and loss of potential winnings.
- Lotteries tickets are now increasingly being sold online, but age verification checks can deter some potential buyers.
- In Las Vegas, the history of gambling is being redefined by the rise of age verification technology.
- The Vegas myth of easy money is slowly fading as casinos enforce strict age verification checks.
- The gambling industry is experiencing a shift in trends, with online casinos and sports betting leading the charge.
- Big casino personalities are often subject to scrutiny for their involvement in shaping the future of the gambling industry.
- The entertainment world is closely watching the evolution of the gambling industry, with potential partnerships on the horizon.
- Poker tournaments now require players to present IDs for age verification, impacting players' game strategies and experiences.
- Gambling culture is being shaped by responsible gambling initiatives, with stronger focus on sports, promoting fair play, and reducing addiction risks.
