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age verification

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 9:58 pm
by s.dot
Does anyone know of any age verification systems? Perhaps one that will allow me to verify members ages and send a variable back that I can put into my database. I need to verify that certain people are over 18.

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:05 pm
by feyd
I don't really know of any solid ways.. so can only really suggest requiring their birthday info.. but people will often see through that as an age verifier.

If this is for something that could have adult level content, use a disclaimer and promonent warnings. Make sure to pass it by an attorney in your area..

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:08 pm
by Todd_Z
Depends the purpose...

a credit card which would be charged $0.01 would be one way to validate 18+

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:12 pm
by feyd
that doesn't really wash though.. as they could use a parent's card/number or their own (yes, even under 18)

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:23 am
by josh
Not to mention the merchant fees, usually you pay a % and sometimes a minimum, so you could be paying to validate them

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:21 am
by Maugrim_The_Reaper
At the end of the day its the user's choice to be honest or not.

One of the reasons I detest unenforceable laws like COPPA. Its nice to trust your users, but its not exactly reliable is it?

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:11 am
by Moocat
Making a "best effort" on your part to deter kids from visiting sites holds up nicely in court unless you're making a lot of money and the parents hired a REALLY good lawyer and they're out for blood. While I'm not saying do whatever you want, you probably won't run into much trouble if you just make a good effort at deterance and don't run into someone like Jack Thompson.

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:19 am
by Bill H
Making a "best effort" on your part to deter kids...
That may not be enough any more. There is a new "act" (not sure of the number but I think it's 2257) that sites have to comply with. It was, I believe, held to be unconstitutional, but is under appeal and the government is enforcing it pending the appeal. Or it was modified to make it enforceable. Or some such thing.

Anyway, our fearless leaders are aggressively protecting us from terrorists and immorality, and I'm uncertain which is their priority.