Should online platforms use AI to verify the age of their users?

With younger generations growing up online, the question of whether platforms should use artificial intelligence to verify the age of their users has become a pressing issue. Age verification is meant to protect minors from inappropriate content, gambling, explicit material, or unsafe interactions. Traditional methods—like self-declared birthdays or ID uploads—are often unreliable or intrusive. AI tools, by contrast, can analyze factors such as typing patterns, facial recognition, or behavioral cues to estimate a user’s age with far greater accuracy. The debate raises fundamental concerns about privacy, accuracy, and digital rights. Supporters see AI as a way to enforce existing age restrictions more effectively, reducing risks for children in unsafe spaces and helping platforms comply with regulations. Critics warn that such systems could misidentify users, discriminate against certain groups, or lead to increased surveillance of everyone online. Questions also arise about what happens to the sensitive biometric data collected during verification—who stores it, who can access it, and how it could be misused. Historically, societies have implemented age gates for activities like drinking, voting, or driving. The internet presents a new challenge because of its scale and anonymity. As governments and companies explore AI-driven solutions, the central question is whether enhanced safety justifies the trade-offs in privacy and freedom.