The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) revealed intentions to debut a facial recognition instrument aimed at confirming user ages. The objective was clear: prevent underage users from accessing explicit content. The advent of this tool was expected to revamp age verification systems, safeguarding young audiences from unsuitable content.
As the expected launch neared, excitement filled the atmosphere. Many, including game developers, publishers, and other key players, considered this a pivotal development, addressing concerns about game content’s suitability. Regardless of these expectations, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ultimately did not approve the ESRB’s new technology.
The FTC handpicked the application for thorough examination, considering over 350 comments in the process. Following their careful review, the application remained rejected, despite ESRB’s tireless efforts.
FTC denies ESRB’s age-verification tool
The ripple effects of the FTC’s ruling quickly spread across the tech industry, sparking substantive debates among stakeholders.
The dominant criticisms revolved around privacy, safety, and the technology’s accuracy, including concern over the escalating issue of deepfakes. The heart of the controversy focused on whether the tool could provide secure data protection, the accuracy of the technology in verifying ages, and if it could potentially propagate the troubling trend of deepfake media.
In response to the criticism, the ESRB provided assurances about the disposal of data following analysis. The tool, requiring a user’s selfie for age estimation, wouldn’t retain information after the process. This gesture demonstrated the organization’s commitment to maintaining high data privacy standards.
In the development phase, the ESRB collaborated with the digital identity firm Yoti and the child-friendly tech provider SuperAwesome. Their shared goal was to improve the process of obtaining parental consent, enhance children’s online safety, and maintain a user-friendly online experience.
Despite the rejection, it remains possible that the FTC could reconsider an updated proposal from the ESRB in the future. The dialogue around integrating technological advances with privacy protections remains relevant.
