Cullen International has just published a new benchmark which analyses if in thirteen selected countries there are initiatives to specify age-verification systems to control or restrict minors' exposure to harmful content (such as pornographic content and gratuitous violence) on internet platforms.

If initiatives exist (beyond the mere transposition of the EU level rules), it shows:

• their aim and scope of application; 
• if a specific type of technology is mandated or foreseen (photo identification matching, credit card checks, facial estimation…);
• if the system is applicable to service providers established in other member states;
• a description of the main aspects/ rules.

Background

The Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive requires audiovisual media services and video-sharing platforms (VSPs) to take appropriate measures to protect minors from content that can impair their physical, mental or moral development. For VSPs, measures should consist of, as appropriate, setting up and operating age verification systems or (easy to use) systems to rate content. It is up to the relevant regulatory authorities to assess whether measures are appropriate considering the size of the video-sharing platform service and the nature of the service that is provided.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) requires platforms that are accessible to minors to take measures to ensure children's safety, security and privacy. It also requires very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) to assess the impact of their services on children’s rights and safety, and take mitigating measures if needed, which may include age verification.

Initiatives in six countries

The benchmark shows that France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the UK have initiatives (in place or proposed).

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