- New research finds risks with common online age checks.
- Many websites ask people to confirm their age online.
- These age checks can share sensitive personal data with others.
- Shared items include photos, online addresses, and device details.
- The data may go to third and fourth parties.
- Many sites that must check ages do not.
- Where checks happen, services collect and share data.
- Experts warn the current systems are ineffective and risky.
Difficult words
- research — Study to find new information.
- confirm — Say that something is true or correct.
- sensitive — Needing careful handling to protect privacy.
- device — A machine like a phone or computer.
- party — Other companies or groups that get data.parties
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you used an online age check?
- Do you worry about websites sharing your photos or data?
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