- Google is now rolling out age verification checks for users on the Play Store.
- Users may be asked to upload ID, a selfie, or a credit card to prove their age
- The move comes in response to new state-level legislation in the US
Google has begun rolling out age verification systems in its Play Store, a move that will require some users to prove they are 18 or older before they can download certain applications.
This change, which mirrors a similar system recently introduced on YouTube, is part of Google’s effort to comply with emerging digital age laws and better restrict access to mature content.
The new system prompts users to verify their age through one of several methods. These can include:
- Uploading a photo of a government-issued ID
- Taking a selfie for facial age estimation
- Entering your email address for association checks
- Providing credit card details
- Using the third-party verification service VerifyMy
According to reports, failure to complete this verification can prevent users from downloading a wide range of apps, not just those with explicit adult ratings.
The rollout has been primarily driven by new legislation in several U.S. states, including Texas, Utah, and Louisiana, which mandates that app stores implement stricter age-gating and child safety measures.
While the stated goal is to protect minors from accessing inappropriate content, the new requirements have sparked a significant conversation 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 submit to biometric scans, has understandably raised privacy concerns.
Users are worried about how this data will be stored, who will have access to it, and the risk of a data breach that could compromise it. Transmitting such personal information over the internet always carries a degree of risk, which is where using one of the best VPN services can provide an essential layer 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 details for age verification, using a trusted VPN ensures that this information is protected from prying eyes. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and can be a hunting ground for cybercriminals.
For instance, a service like NordVPN encrypts your traffic so that even if it were intercepted, it would be unreadable. This added security measure can give users peace of mind when they are required to share sensitive personal data to comply with these new digital regulations.
While Google has its own security protocols in place, taking personal responsibility for your data by using a VPN is a sensible precaution in an increasingly complex online world.
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