Age verification

Age verification is the process of establishing whether a person meets a specified age threshold, using evidence such as identity documents, databases, or age-estimation systems.

Identity document verification: The process of checking an identity document’s authenticity and matching its details to a person. Document checks can establish a birth date when the document is genuine and belongs to the person.
Age assurance: A set of processes for determining, estimating, or otherwise assuring a person’s age for a particular purpose. This broader framework includes age estimation and other checks that may not verify an exact age.
Data minimization: The practice of collecting and retaining only personal data necessary for a specified purpose. A check that returns only an age-threshold result can avoid collecting a full identity record.
Self-declaration: A statement in which a person reports information about themselves without independent confirmation. A declared birth date is easier to provide but offers weaker evidence than an independent check.
Age estimation: The inference of a person’s age from observable traits or data rather than a verified birth date. Estimation can screen for an age threshold without proving a precise date of birth.
Age gate: A control that restricts access to content or services based on a stated or assessed age. Age gates commonly use verification measures to enforce an access threshold.
Privacy: The ability of people to control access to information about themselves and their personal lives. Age verification can expose identity or browsing-related information if systems collect or link data.
Parental consent: Permission given by a parent or guardian for a child’s participation in an activity or service. Consent can authorize participation without itself establishing a child’s exact age.
Biometric age estimation: Age estimation from biometric traits, such as facial features or a voice. Facial analysis is a prominent automated approach to estimating whether someone appears above a threshold.
Age of majority: The legal age at which a person is recognized as an adult in a jurisdiction. Many age checks determine whether a person has reached this general legal threshold.

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