Facial age estimation technology proposal rejected as age verification methods are considered.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has rejected, without prejudice, an application by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, Yoti, and SuperAwesome seeking approval for a new parental consent mechanism under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule). The proposal, submitted in 2023, proposed to use “Privacy-Protective Facial Age Estimation” technology, which assesses users’ facial geometry to confirm their age.
COPPA Rule mandated online platforms directed at children under 13 to obtain parental consent before collecting their personal information—offering various acceptable consent methods. Despite receiving over 350 comments, the FTC unanimously voted to reject the application, leaving open the possibility for reapplication in the future when more information about age verification technologies becomes available. By refusing the application at present, the commission refrained from endorsing or rejecting its merits.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the chair and commissioners of the FTC to receive God’s guidance as they assess ways to protect minors’ privacy.
- For American parents as they seek to ensure the online safety and security of their children.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
