Age verification systems are increasingly used to enforce legal restrictions on access to online content, such as adult material or gambling sites. However, these systems introduce multiple security and privacy risks. The article from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) outlines ten key dangers, including the collection and storage of sensitive personal data (e.g., government IDs, biometric data), which can be targeted by attackers leading to identity theft or fraud. The centralization of such data creates attractive targets for cybercriminals. Additionally, age verification can enable pervasive surveillance and tracking, undermining user anonymity and privacy. Many implementations rely on third-party services, increasing the attack surface and potential for data misuse or breaches. The article also discusses risks related to inadequate security controls, lack of transparency, and insufficient user consent mechanisms. For European organizations, these risks are compounded by stringent data protection laws such as GDPR, which impose heavy penalties for data mishandling. The threat is not a direct software vulnerability but a systemic risk arising from the design and deployment of age verification technologies, requiring careful consideration of privacy and security principles.

For European organizations, the impact of these risks includes potential violations of GDPR and other privacy regulations, leading to significant fines and legal consequences. Data breaches involving age verification data can cause severe reputational damage and loss of user trust. The exposure of sensitive personal information can facilitate identity theft, fraud, and targeted phishing attacks. Surveillance and tracking enabled by these systems may also conflict with European privacy norms and laws, potentially resulting in regulatory scrutiny. Organizations operating in sectors with mandatory age verification (e.g., online gambling, adult content, alcohol sales) face increased operational risks and must balance compliance with privacy protections. The systemic nature of the threat means that even well-secured systems can be compromised if privacy considerations are neglected. Additionally, reliance on third-party verification providers can introduce supply chain risks and complicate incident response.

European organizations should adopt privacy-preserving age verification methods that minimize data collection, such as zero-knowledge proofs or cryptographic attestations that confirm age without revealing identity details. Implement strict data minimization and retention policies aligned with GDPR principles. Use end-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest, and ensure secure storage with access controls and regular audits. Avoid centralized storage of sensitive verification data when possible, favoring decentralized or client-side verification approaches. Conduct thorough security assessments of third-party verification providers and require contractual guarantees on data protection and breach notification. Enhance transparency by informing users about data usage and obtaining explicit consent. Regularly update and patch verification systems to address emerging threats. Train staff on privacy and security best practices related to age verification. Finally, engage with regulators and privacy advocates to ensure compliance and adopt emerging standards.