- Google is now implementing age verification for users in the Play Store.
- Users may be asked to upload an ID, selfie or credit card to prove their age.
- This move was a response to new legislation at the US state level.
Google has started implementing age verification systems in its Play Store. The move will require some users to prove they are 18 or older before they can download certain apps.
The change, which mirrors a similar system recently introduced by YouTube, is part of Google's efforts to comply with new digital age laws and more effectively limit access to adult content.
The new system prompts users to confirm their age using one of several methods. These may include:
- Uploading a photo of a government issued ID
- Taking a selfie to estimate facial age
- Entering an email address to check the connection
- Providing credit card information
- Using a third-party verification service VerifyMy
Failure to do this check could reportedly prevent users from downloading a wide range of apps, not just those with explicit adult ratings.
The rollout was primarily driven by new legislation in several US states, including Texas, Utah and Louisiana, that require app stores to implement stricter age and safety measures for children.
Although the stated goal is to protect minors from accessing inappropriate content, the new requirements have sparked intense conversations among users about data privacy and the security of their personal information.
Protecting your data during verification
The new requirement to upload sensitive documents such as a driver's license or undergo a biometric scan has understandably raised privacy concerns.
Users are concerned about how this data will be stored, who will have access to it, and the risk of a data breach that could put it at risk. Transmitting such personal information over the Internet always involves certain risks, for example when using one of best VPN services can provide a significant level of security.
A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet connection, creating a secure and private tunnel for your data.
When uploading a copy of your ID or entering credit card information for age verification, using a reliable VPN will ensure that this information is protected from prying eyes. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and can become a hunting ground for cybercriminals.
For example, a service like NordVPN encrypts your traffic so that even if it is intercepted, it cannot be read. This additional security measure can give users peace of mind when they need to share sensitive personal data in accordance with these new digital regulations.
While Google has its own security protocols, taking personal responsibility for your data with a VPN is a smart precaution in an increasingly complex online world.
