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Age Verification Technology for Internet Users: A Privacy-Protective Approach

A groundbreaking technology that gauges a person’s age through facial geometry is poised to revolutionize age verification on the internet. Submitted for approval to the US government, this approach could potentially change the way we ensure online safety and compliance with regulations. The proposal aims to introduce facial scanning for automated age verification, with a unique twist: verifying the age of parents themselves rather than their children.

Currently, American privacy laws, particularly the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), provide substantial protection for individuals under 13. However, the entertainment industry seeks an exception to these strict rules, advocating for the use of facial scanning as an age verification tool for parents.

The US Federal Trade Commission is carefully considering an application [PDF] from three organizations: the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), a digital identity firm Yoti (known for its facial age estimation technology), and SuperAwesome (an advertiser partner focusing on online targeting of children). Their joint request seeks FTC approval for the utilization of Yoti’s age-estimating tool within the stringent boundaries set by COPPA.

COPPA obligates websites and apps to secure parental permission before collecting or using personal information from children under 13. Various methods exist to obtain parental consent, and parties interested in proposing new consent procedures can approach the FTC for review.

This is where the age-guessing technology comes into play. Yoti employs a sophisticated blend of AI technology, liveness anti-spoofing, and document authenticity checks to determine a user’s age accurately.

Let’s delve into how the Yoti tech enables parental consent under COPPA:

When a child visits a website, they encounter an age gate, prompting them to provide their parent’s email. The operator then sends a notification to the parent, urging them to verify their adult status for their child to proceed. Additionally, the parent can opt for facial-age scanning as a verification method.
Assuming the child does not misrepresent their age, or the website/app possesses methods to identify minors, such as requesting identification, the process proceeds seamlessly.
If the parent consents to the facial scan, the system captures a selfie, and the software delivers an age estimate.
If the age estimation confirms the parent as an adult, the child gains access to the website. If not, two possible scenarios unfold.
In cases of uncertainty about the individual’s adult status, alternative verification methods such as credit cards, driver’s licenses, or social security numbers can be chosen.
If the method categorically identifies the individual as a non-adult, access is denied. Naturally, we assume that the adult is genuinely the parent or legal guardian of the child.

According to the application, Yoti and SuperAwesome have successfully implemented the “Privacy-Protective Facial Age Estimation” technology outside the US since 2022, performing over 4.8 million age estimates with an astounding 99.97 percent accuracy rate. Now, they seek to bring this innovation to the US.

The “Privacy-Protective” label is not just a marketing tactic. The technology alleviates privacy concerns since it abstains from collecting, processing, or storing identity or payment card data. The facial image is translated into numerical data and compared to patterns in the training dataset associated with known ages, leaving no trace of the live scans.

Concerning privacy, an ESRB spokesperson reassured, “The live scans used for this process are never stored, used for AI training, used for marketing, or even sent to the operator; the only piece of information that is communicated to the operator is a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ determination as to whether the person is over the age of 25.”

SuperAwesome’s Kids Web Services offers this tech as a verification method to developers outside the US, with Epic Games being one of its prominent customers. Despite being a relevant example, Epic Games did face a hefty fine of $520 million for COPPA violations, making it a potentially controversial highlight in the application.

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Alibaba’s AI Model Sparks Chaos in Just One Day

Alibaba’s latest AI video generation model, Wan 2.1, was meant to be a breakthrough in open-source technology. However, within a day of its release, it was adopted by AI porn creators, sparking concerns over its potential for misuse. While open AI models democratize access to powerful tools, they also raise ethical issues, particularly in the creation of non-consensual content. The rapid adoption of Wan 2.1 highlights this ongoing challenge.

Alibaba, the Chinese tech giant, recently released its new AI video generation model, Wan 2.1, making it freely accessible to those with the necessary hardware and expertise. While this open-source approach empowers developers and researchers, it also comes with a dark side. Within just 24 hours, the AI porn community seized the opportunity to produce and share dozens of explicit videos using the new software.

Even more concerning is the reaction from a niche online community dedicated to creating nonconsensual AI-generated intimate media of real people. Users on Telegram and similar platforms quickly celebrated Wan 2.1’s capabilities, praising its ability to handle complex movements and enhance the quality of AI-generated adult content. One user, referring to Tencent’s Hunyuan AI model (another tool popular in these circles), noted, “Hunyuan was released just in December, and now we have an even better text-to-video model.”

This is the ongoing dilemma of open AI models. On one hand, they offer groundbreaking possibilities, allowing developers to experiment, innovate, and improve AI technology. On the other, they can be easily exploited to create unethical and harmful content, including deepfake pornography.

Rapid Adoption in AI Porn Communities

The speed at which Wan 2.1 was adapted for explicit content was staggering. The first modifications of the model appeared almost immediately on Civitai, a site known for hosting AI-generated models. By the time initial reports surfaced, multiple variations of Wan 2.1 had already been downloaded hundreds of times. Users on Civitai enthusiastically shared AI-generated pornographic videos, many of which were created using these modified models.

Civitai’s policies prohibit the sharing of nonconsensual AI-generated pornography, but loopholes remain. While the site does not host nonconsensual content directly, it allows users to download models that can be used elsewhere for illicit purposes. Previous investigations have shown that once these models are accessible, there is little stopping users from misusing them in private or unregulated online spaces.

The Bigger Issue: Ethics of Open AI Models

The release of open-source AI models like Wan 2.1 is a double-edged sword. Open models promote innovation, allowing developers to refine AI technology for legitimate purposes such as filmmaking, animation, and content creation. However, as seen with Wan 2.1, early adopters often push the boundaries of ethical use, leading to misuse in inappropriate or even illegal ways.

Despite mounting concerns, Alibaba has remained silent on the issue. The company has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the misuse of its AI model. This raises questions about the responsibilities of tech giants when it comes to the unintended consequences of their AI releases. Should companies impose stricter regulations on how their AI models are used? Or is it the responsibility of platforms and communities to enforce ethical guidelines?

What Comes Next?

As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, the challenge of regulating its use grows more complex. Open-source AI models are powerful tools, but they must be released with safeguards in place to prevent misuse. Without proper oversight, the line between innovation and exploitation will continue to blur, leaving room for ethical dilemmas and legal concerns.

For now, Wan 2.1 stands as yet another example of how quickly AI technology can be both a breakthrough and a battleground. The question remains—how will companies like Alibaba address these issues moving forward?

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SexLikeReal: New VR Porn Experience for Women

SexLikeReal (SLR) has launched SLR For Women, its first dedicated VR porn vertical offering a female-first perspective. This initiative utilizes the platform’s chroma suit passthrough technology to create immersive experiences tailored for female viewers.

A New Approach to VR Adult Content

SLR For Women debuted with a VR porn scene featuring Danny Steele and Alicia Williams, filmed using chroma passthrough technology. The female performer wears a chroma suit, allowing only her genitals to remain visible, maintaining a first-person perspective experience.

While female-perspective VR porn exists across various platforms, SLR’s entry is notable due to its technological advancements and strong user engagement. The company is inviting female users to submit scripts, with the best ideas set to be produced as POV VR scenes by its top production team.

Future Expansion & User Involvement

Currently, the SLR For Women section features just one scene, posted over three weeks ago. Although no rush of female subscribers is expected yet, SLR has indicated plans for more female-focused content and encourages user feedback to shape its future releases.

SLR has previously introduced AI-powered passthrough technology, allowing non-chroma-shot videos to be converted into passthrough VR, as well as the world’s first AR cam rooms for live streaming. Whether this new venture will receive continued investment remains to be seen, but the launch signals an industry shift towards more inclusive VR experiences.

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Kiiroo Unveils PleasureDrive: The Future of Interactive Pleasure Machines

Amsterdam, 20 February 2025 – Kiiroo, a global leader in interactive pleasure technology, is thrilled to announce the launch of PleasureDrive , a compact yet powerful automatic pleasure machine designed for solo and partnered play.

Born from a collaboration with HiSmith – the leaders in automatic pleasure machines – PleasureDrive features a 70W motor delivering up to 240 thrusts per minute, and combines cutting-edge innovation, smart connectivity, and customizable sensations for an unparalleled experience.

“With the PleasureDrive, we’re taking intimacy to the next level. This device is not just about power—it’s about control, versatility, and creating a deeply personal experience that adapts to every user’s needs, whether they’re enjoying solo play, playing on live-cam or connecting with partners from across the world,” said Toon Timmermans, CEO of Kiiroo. He continued, “This launch marks an exciting step forward for Kiiroo, and we’ can’t wait to see PleasureDrive empower our users around the world.”

Designed with premium stainless steel and aluminum, the PleasureDrive is compact, sturdy, and whisper-quiet (30–60 dB), ensuring discretion and stability during even the most intense sessions. The KlicLok® attachment system makes switching accessories effortless, while adjustable speed and thrust settings offer a fully tailored experience.

Using the FeelConnect App users can control the PleasureDrive remotely, which is perfect for long-distance couples.
As a webcam performer, sync with FeelPerformer or FeelHubX for an immersive tip-based cam experience.

PleasureDrive by Kiiroo is available for pre-order now for $549.00.
For more details, contact [email protected] or visit kiiroo.com