Implications of Age Assurance on Privacyand Data Protection: A Systematic Threat Model

As digital platforms increasingly require age verification to comply with regulations, there is a pressing need to balance child safety with privacy rights. Age assurance technologies aim to establish a user’s age without infringing upon personal data, yet they often raise concerns regarding data security and the potential for misuse.

The implications of age assurance extend beyond immediate compliance; they also influence public perception and user engagement. A transparent and secure approach to age verification can enhance user confidence in digital services. As technology evolves, continuous dialogue between stakeholders is essential to adapt to new challenges and ensure that privacy rights are upheld while promoting safer online environments for children. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to align age assurance practices with GDPR requirements.

This research explores the privacy and data protection implications of age assurance, analyzing existing solutions and proposing a comprehensive privacy threat model. The threat model developed in this paper can be widely applied to improve the design and implementation of current solutions, policy and guidelines formulation, and awareness initiatives about age assurance challenges. By balancing adequate age assurance with robust and compliant data protection, we can create a digital environment for everyone that guarantees the protection of fundamental rights

Key takeaways

1. Age assurance technology must balance child safety with privacy rights.
2. Compliance with GDPR is essential for age verification processes.
3. Transparency in age assurance systems builds user trust.
4. Collaboration among stakeholders is vital for effective solutions.
5. Excessive data collection should be avoided in age verification.
6. Public perception influences user engagement with digital services.
7. Clear guidelines are needed for implementing age assurance measures.
8. Continuous dialogue is crucial as technology evolves.
9. Organizations must proactively align practices with data protection laws.
10. Secure age verification enhances confidence in online services.