SOCIAL MEDIA AGE VERIFICATION

Key Challenges in Social Media

Harmful Content

- Social media algorithms use addictive design elements targeting young users, negatively impacting their wellbeing

- Complex terms of service prevent informed consent

- First Amendment and Section 230 of CDA protect platforms from content liability

Inadequate Regulation

- Governments delegate regulatory responsibility to private companies instead of direct enforcement

- Inconsistent policies undermine public trust in privacy protection

- Platforms depend on user reporting to identify underage accounts

Insufficient Access Controls

- Children as young as 3-4 access online content without supervision

- Many platforms lack proper age verification requirements

- Weak verification methods rely on self-reported age and limited parental controls