Regulation
Articles
Feb 13, 2024
Understanding verification requirements in the new Digital Services Act
The EU’s new Digital Services Act (DSA) will apply from the 17th February this year. Originally only applicable to ‘very large online platforms’ (VLOPs) and ‘very large online search engines’ (VLOSEs) with over 45 million monthly users, it will eventually be expanded to cover all online intermediaries and platforms that offer their services to users based in the EU. These include online marketplaces, social networks, adult content companies, content sharing platforms, app stores, and online travel and accommodation platforms. To comply with certain parts of the Act, platforms will need to have effective verification of business users and support age-appropriate
Articles
Oct 26, 2023
Online Safety Act becomes law
After years of debate and discussion, the Online Safety Act is now law – marking a new chapter in online safety. There are three key elements within the Online Safety Act that we are ready to help with: Age assurance to help platforms create safe, age-appropriate experiences online User verification to give users more control over who they interact with online Over 18 consent from content creators for the publication of intimate images Age assurance in the Online Safety Act The Online Safety Act is not about excluding children from the internet. It’s about giving them an experience
Articles
Aug 16, 2023
Australia’s new National Self-Exclusion Register
From 21st August 2023, Australians will be able to ban themselves from all online wagering companies. “BetStop”, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER) will let people exclude themselves from all licensed online wagering operators, for a minimum of 3 months and up to a lifetime. The move aims to protect vulnerable people and reduce problem wagering. The BetStop NSER will be managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). ACMA released a report which found that 11 per cent of Australians had participated in online wagering in the past six months – up from 8% in 2020. What does
Articles
Jul 28, 2023
Asking the FTC to approve facial age estimation for verifiable parental consent
Together with the Privacy Certified program of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and Kids Web Services Ltd, a wholly owned Epic Games subsidiary, we are asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for approval to implement facial age estimation as an authorised method for verifiable parental consent (VPC). The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires companies to ensure they are not collecting personal data from children under the age of 13 without a parent’s consent. Currently, the COPPA Rule enumerates seven, non-exhaustive methods that enable parents to verify their consent. These include verification by government ID, credit card
Articles
Jul 19, 2023
UK games industry publishes new guidelines for Loot Boxes
Loot Boxes, found in certain video games, give players the opportunity to receive random items. They can be purchased with real or virtual money or through gameplay. Loot Boxes are a lucky dip; the player doesn’t know what item they will receive. They might unlock new levels or give the players access to special characters, equipment and weapons. Loot Boxes can add an element of excitement to the game. But concerns have been raised that the very nature of receiving a surprise item can be addictive. That Loot Boxes could encourage and be a pathway to problem gambling. Following these
Articles
Dec 03, 2022
Louisiana Age Verification Law: Arriving 2023
A new Louisiana law will allow parents to take legal action against companies that do not have reasonable age verification in place to keep minors out of porn sites and other sites containing harmful material. The law focuses on pornography, citing that “advances in technology, the universal availability of the internet, and limited age verification requirements” have created a public health crisis. The Louisiana Age Verification law will come into effect on 1st January 2023. It’s a significant milestone and demonstrates the important role an increasing number of lawmakers and regulators want age verification to play in keeping children