Spotify requests age information from users in the UK while streaming music by Passport
In a significant move towards online safety, music streaming service Spotify has introduced an age verification process for its UK users. This change comes in response to the UK's Online Safety Act, a legislative measure primarily targeting adult content providers, but extending to any services hosting content online.
The age verification process for Spotify users in the UK works by requiring users attempting to access age-restricted content (18+ explicit material) to prove their age using a system provided by the digital ID company Yoti. This system primarily uses facial scanning technology to estimate the user's age. If the facial scan fails or suggests the user is under 13 (Spotify's minimum age in the UK), the platform may ask for additional verification via a photo ID. Failure to verify age adequately can lead to account deactivation and eventual deletion if users do not confirm their age within specified timeframes (90 days to reactivate, 7 days after reactivation for photo ID submission).
Other online platforms have also adopted similar verification methods to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act. These include Microsoft Xbox, Reddit, Discord, Bluesky, and pornography websites. These platforms employ face scanning, ID checks, or other verification technologies to ensure compliance.
The changes in Spotify's age confirmation process have been announced a few weeks ago and came into effect following the passing of the Online Safety Act's age-check deadline this week. The new protective measures for teenagers on YouTube are likely influenced by the enforcement of the UK's Online Safety Act.
Spotify has assured users that the information collected for age verification will be kept secure. The company emphasizes that the checks are currently voluntary for users. However, some concerns about privacy, data security, and access limitations have been raised by users.
Here's a summary of the age verification methods used by various platforms:
| Platform | Verification Method | Purpose | Notes | |-----------------|----------------------------|---------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Spotify | Facial scan + photo ID | Verify age for 18+ content | Account deletion if verification fails; minimum user age 13 in UK | | Xbox | Age verification checks | Comply with Online Safety Act | Similar age checks for restricted content | | Reddit | Age verification checks | Similar compliance | Partnered with digital ID services | | Discord | Age verification implied | Compliance | Age gating mechanisms likely used | | Bluesky | Age verification checks | Compliance | Age checks implemented in UK | | Pornography sites| Various age verification | Legal compliance | Typically stricter verification |
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial for online platforms to prioritise user safety and adhere to legal requirements. The introduction of age verification processes is a step towards creating a safer online environment, particularly for younger users.
Technology plays a crucial role in Spotify's age verification process, as facial scanning technology is employed to estimate the age of users attempting to access age-restricted content. Other online platforms, such as Microsoft Xbox, Reddit, Discord, Bluesky, and pornography websites, also use various verification technologies to ensure compliance with the UK's Online Safety Act.
