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ESRB asks FTC to approve facial estimation age checker

The proposal claims the technology is more reliable than other methods of parent verification

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The ESRB has proposed that the FTC greenlight facial age estimation technology as a method of verification.

In collaboration with digital identity firm Yoti, Epic Games subsidiary and software company SuperAwesome, the proposal claims that the Privacy-Protective Facial Age Estimation is said to accurately determine a person's age.

The process steps of verification include:

  • The user takes a photo of themselves
  • The system then checks if there's a live human face in the frame
  • The image is then uploaded to Yoti's backend server for estimation

Regarding safety concerns for those who use the technology, including minors, the proposal said, "Images are immediately, permanently deleted, and not used by Yoti for training purposes."

Additionally, the document claims that the facial age estimation does not presential a substantial risk to parents' privacy or potential biases.

The proposal also said, "To the extent that there is any risk, it is easily outweighed by the benefits to consumers and businesses of using this [Facial Age Estimation] method."

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Jeffrey Rousseau avatar
Jeffrey Rousseau: Jeffrey joined GamesIndustry.biz in March 2021. Based in Florida, his work focused on the intersectionality of games and media. He enjoys reading, podcasts, staying informed, and learning how people are tackling issues.
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