As controversial Twitch age verification rule goes into effect, who has to comply?
For users in some regions, an official age verification process is now coming to Twitch that could affect the content those users are allowed to see.
Boasting an extremely wide variety of content, there’s something for everyone on streaming platform Twitch. Its users can watch their favorite streamers play games like League of Legends or Fortnite, listen to them talk during Just Chatting streams, follow them as they explore the great outdoors through IRL streams, and more. But in some countries, access to some content on Twitch may now be limited depending on the user’s age.
Twitch is rolling out a new age verification method to work with laws popping up around different regions of the world. Here’s how to complete the process and who can expect to see the new changes hitting their personal accounts.
How to verify your age on Twitch
To complete the verification process on Twitch, users will need to perform a face scan that estimates their age.
In the affected regions, users will be prompted to verify their age when signing up, signing in, or when trying to access mature content for the first time. As the feature is still being rolled out, the exact timeline for verification for each individual users isn’t yet uniform.
Twitch has partnered with a company called k-ID to use “on-device facial age estimation technology” for its age verification process. Users need to scan their faces using a webcam and follow the ensuing on-screen instructions. These include keeping glasses on if they’re normally worn, removing any headwear, and ensuring that the area is well-lit.
An example of the k-ID age verification process. Image credit: k-ID
According to k-ID, none of the data from the age verification process is stored externally and it will only be used for verifying users’ ages according to established rules. Because age verification can be tricky and people sometimes don’t match their age estimations, users who want to appeal their estimated age are directed to contact k-ID support. Verification attempts are limited to a certain number per day.
Once verified, users should be good to go to access the content they want to see and are verified for. But not everyone will have to verify their age to access mature content.
Who has to complete age verification on Twitch?
Users viewing and streaming from age-locked regions will have to complete the age verification process on Twitch.
All Twitch users must be at least 13 years old according to the platform’s terms of service. But some areas, notably including the United Kingdom, have passed specific legislation requiring that viewers and streamers of mature content alike must all be over the age of 18. This is in accordance with new online safety laws rolling out in these regions.
Much of the feedback from users so far has been negative. Users across social media are making clear that they would rather leave the site than undergo compulsory facial recognition. Others are instead reportedly are using images of Norman Reedus and other celebrities or video game characters to bypass the age check.
As of this writing, only users in restricted regions will have to verify their age. If it goes well and such laws are written into other countries, Twitch could still choose to make every user verify their age to access the platform or its more mature materials.
Featured image credit: Twitch
There are few things that writer M Alzamora loves more in life than Pokemon. And there are even fewer things that she loves more than her favorite Pokemon, Eevee. But M’s appreciation for gaming isn’t just limited to Nintendo’s famous pocket monsters. She’s interested in every type of game across every genre of gaming, and she has the credentials to prove it. M’s work has also been seen on Working Classicists and gaming sites.
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