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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Age verification is rolling out in the Google Play Store.
- Users will have several methods to prove their age.
- Access to apps is limited until they verify their age.
Several months after AI-powered age verification rolled out to YouTube, age checks are hitting another Google service.
Over the past several days, users have spotted a new age verification system appearing on the Google Play Store. When attempting to download certain apps, users are greeted with a verification pop-up asking to confirm their age. According to reports from people who have already seen this pop-up, you aren’t able to download many apps until this is done.
Also: Not just YouTube: Google is using AI to guess your age based on your activity – everywhere
Verification takes just a few minutes, Google said, and you have several options to choose from:
- Upload a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Take a selfie photo, which a partner company will use to estimate your age.
- Submit your credit card. (Google says your card will not be charged.)
- Enter your email address. (Google will use online data associated with that address to confirm your age.)
- Use VerifyMy, a third-party identity verification service. (The company says it uses a number of age assurance methods, including phone number, email address, government ID, facial age estimation, and review of sites and apps where you’ve previously used this email address.)
Most of these options seem like they will accurately verify your age, but at least two involve estimates. Like YouTube, if Google’s (or its partner company’s) guess is wrong, you’ll have to submit more documentation to sort things out.
Naturally, this will be a bit concerning for some users when it comes to privacy. While stating that it will comply with state laws, Apple has voiced concerns over collecting sensitive data. Google stresses that it has privacy and trust concerns in mind, though, and that it’s developing “APIs, systems, and tools” to help implement age verification safely.
When OpenAI implemented similar age verification for ChatGPT, CEO Sam Altman plainly said, “We prioritize safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens.”
Also: The best smart TV VPNs: Expert tested and reviewed
If you want to go ahead and verify your age through Google Services before you hit any walls, you can use this link.
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