Facial recognition technology blocks underage users from accessing social media platforms.

The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has developed a plan to compel tech companies to use #facial_recognition_technology to block underage users from #social_media_platforms.

John Heaghan, Director of Online Safety Policy at Ofcom, stated in an interview with The Telegraph that #social_media_platforms are expected to delete accounts of millions of potential children from their platforms using age verification processes, which will be “accurate and highly effective”. Heaghan added that “what the regulator is looking for in this area is age estimation #technology based on facial recognition, which companies are now offering”. He further noted, “We believe this #technology is really good at distinguishing between children and adults”.

Ofcom highlighted that 60% of children between the ages of 8 and 11 have #social_media_accounts, despite most platforms requiring users to be at least 13 years old.

While governments around the world are striving to protect children when using the internet, Australia recently passed legislation prohibiting anyone under 16 years old from using #social_media, imposing financial penalties amounting to millions of dollars if tech companies fail to comply with the rule.