Abstract
With the internet becoming an integral part of everyday life, creating a safer and more age-appropriate online environment is of increasing importance, especially for younger users. This white paper proposes an innovative approach to this challenge: a system of age certification for websites, implemented through a browser plugin, to filter web content based on the user’s age.
Introduction
The widespread use of the internet brings an array of challenges in ensuring a safe and appropriate user experience, especially for children and teenagers (Livingstone, S., & Third, A., 2017). Various mechanisms exist to protect younger users, including parental control software, ‘kid-safe’ browsers, and age-verification tools on certain websites. However, these solutions often operate at the device level or individual website level and do not provide comprehensive protection.
We propose a new approach, drawing inspiration from age certification systems in the film and gaming industry, that involves certifying websites based on their content’s suitability for different age groups. The certification would be readable by a browser plugin, which filters the accessible content based on the user’s age, thus ensuring an age-appropriate internet experience.
Age Certification Framework
The proposed age certification system encompasses five categories, akin to established content rating systems like the Motion Picture Association (MPA) film ratings or the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) game ratings:
- General (G)
- Parental Guidance (PG)
- Teen (T)
- Mature (M)
- Adults Only (AO)
The system needs to be as inclusive as possible, accounting for the vast range of content found on the internet. Websites would voluntarily apply for an age certificate and be rated by an independent, trusted certification authority.
Technical Implementation
A browser plugin would be developed to read the user’s age from their logged-in account (e.g., Microsoft, Google), read the website’s age certificate, and block or allow access accordingly. Website certificates could be integrated into the website’s SSL/TLS certificate, HTTP headers, or meta tags.
User Age Verification
Privacy-preserving mechanisms for verifying the user’s age are necessary to prevent misuse. Some potential approaches include using established online age verification services, anonymous age verification techniques, or potentially blockchain-based verification (Stark, L., 2018).
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its potential, this proposal comes with notable challenges. Foremost are the complexities of global implementation, potential resistance from website owners, user privacy concerns, and legal implications, notably in relation to data protection regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act).
Conclusion
The proposal of an age certification system for websites represents a forward-thinking approach to fostering a safer, more age-appropriate internet experience. While significant challenges exist, with a cooperative and conscientious effort from all stakeholders, this system could significantly enhance online safety, particularly for younger users.
References:
- Livingstone, S., & Third, A. (2017). Children and young people’s rights in the digital age: An emerging agenda. New Media & Society, 19(5), 657-670.
- Stark, L. (2018). Blockchain technology could be the great equalizer for American cities. TechCrunch.
