In a new policy proposal, Google suggests that identity and age verification systems for protecting children online can be unnecessary. Instead, Google believes that technology companies should follow age-appropriate design principles through legislation.
The Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA) recently reported that over half of the world’s population is online and using smartphones, with a significant number of them being children under 18. However, there has been a lack of consensus among global legislators on how to keep children safe online.
Google has now released a document titled “Legislative Framework for Protecting Children and Teens Online,” outlining its thoughts on this issue. The company argues against the idea of identity and age verification systems, stating that lawmakers should carefully consider whether requiring unnecessary identification or personal information is a good idea.
Instead, Google suggests that the focus should be on product design. The policy framework emphasizes incorporating the best interests of children and teens into the design of products, with Google believing that this should be legislated. Rather than blocking children from sites and apps, companies should be required to build experiences that consider safety, wellbeing, privacy, agency, access to information, and freedom of participation in society.
Google also points out that broad protections for all children under 18 may overlook the differences in maturity, capacity, and risks of harm between children and teens. The company believes that policies should be tailored to specific age groups, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
While Google acknowledges that age verification may be necessary in some cases, it hopes to see a workable and interoperable standard that still allows for anonymous or pseudonymous experiences.
The acceptance and implementation of Google’s policy framework by legislators remain to be seen.