Age verification is an existing dilemma and will continue to be so if it is conducted through outdated approaches. Young people today are subjected to extremely violent and offensive material due to the digital revolution. As a result, age verification is essential, and it can ideally be performed using AI-based online age verification solutions. Digital age authentication is critical in stopping children from purchasing goods and services that are not age-appropriate. Online websites have a legal obligation to follow authentication laws and legislation while delivering their services.

3 Orthodox Age Verification Checks

On-Premises Age Check

Conventionally, a user’s age was checked in person at the verification location. During this phase, the authentication professional requests the customer’s identification card. They then check whether it is a genuine or forged identity document by simply taking a glance at it. The trouble with relying on the naked eye to verify the text’s accuracy is that it is susceptible to inconsistencies. Moreover, even if they know the identification document is false, retailers can still distribute the age-restricted commodity to children. They will invoke the clause of plausible deniability and say they had no idea the document was a product of forgery.

Employing Online Delivery Services

Furthermore, several online companies check the age of consumers before the item is received, by employing third-party delivery companies. After checking the person’s age and identification information against the details given during order placing, the package is delivered to them. Here, the agent’s judgment determines the accuracy of these validation tests.

Self-Verification Checks

The methodology of age authentication, which few websites have been using for quite some time known as the “Are you 18” check, is highly unreliable. Here, whether a member on a specific online platform wants to reveal the true age, it is entirely up to them. If a minor wants to use these sites to obtain age-restricted information, goods, or services, they are likely to lie about their age.

Repercussions of Failing to Adapt 

If an online company fails to adequately verify their customers’ ages, they should expect dozens of new challenges. To begin with, companies fear being fined if they do not adhere to age restriction rules. Furthermore, if a child uses their parents’ payment cards to make a purchase, the company is required to give a chargeback to the rightful owners.

The more chargebacks a company incurs, the more economic strain it will face. Besides that, if a company is known for not checking its consumers’ ages, it debases its credibility in the eyes of legitimate users. As a result, they earn the reputation of being a risky online shopping destination.

Advantages of Automated Age Verification Services

When put against the old age verification methodologies, the online age authentication systems are incredibly precise and secure. Here, bribing the company or distribution officers is less likely because it reduces human influence. Furthermore, with AI-powered age checks, websites would not be deceived by the habit of lying about your age on the web. Besides that, onboarding only genuine consumers indicate that visitors to the website are there to make a purchase. Furthermore, companies can concentrate their resources on increasing their brand valuation by avoiding forced refunds and regulatory fines.

Walkthrough of Digital Age Verification

These steps are followed for correct completion of an age and Online Document Verification online process:

• The customer inputs their DOB in the information form to get their age verified digitally.
• The system then requests that the consumer display an official identification card to the camera. The consumer can also upload a previously captured photo of the identity document.
• The name and DOB are obtained from the identification document after the system has checked the document’s validity.
• The derived data is then compared to the user-entered textual data.
• As soon as the customer’s age has been confirmed, it is compared to the specific age cap.
• The reports are then double-checked by verification agents and modified in the back office API. They are also displayed to the customer. Moreover, the entire age validation process is recorded with the consent of the user.