The internet opened up a world many would have never imagined. Indeed, a life without it would be unimaginable for those who have grown up in the digital age. A simple browsing session gives you access to so much information. Doing research, learning, and entertaining yourself in the digital space is possible.
But like a coin, there are two sides to the internet. Unfortunately, the other side is not good. There is evil lurking in the digital streets. Nefarious individuals who are up to no good are out to get innocent internet users.
Hackers or cyber criminals look for ways to access servers. They can steal information or even hold you for ransom. All without ever being in your physical presence. Then, there is the issue of pedophiles, child traffickers, and even murderers. These individuals target young kids through the internet.
Statistics show that 77% of online predator victims were as young as 14. There are over 116,000 child pornography requests every single day. On top of all that, 1 out of 5 children ages 10 to 17 receives sexual solicitation or some form of online approach.
Only one-third of households use filtering and blocking software. Yet, ensuring that the kids do not have access to some sites is critical. Some websites have put in place age verification measures to help combat this issue. Let’s explore what this means and how to put it on your WordPress site.
Age Verification: What Does It Mean?
As an internet user, you may try to access a site. But, before you get excess, it requires you to confirm that you are of a specific age. What you are seeing is an age verification or age gate mechanism. It is a simple measure to ensure that those under the legal age do not get access to age-restricted content.
- You may want to include an age verification mechanism if you:-
- Have any content with an adult subject matter or products
- Promote or sell cigarettes or alcohol
- Offer dating or sex-related services
- Run age-specific competitions
- Collect sensitive information like credit card numbers
If you have adult content, you have a regulatory obligation to put age verification in place. A challenge with some of the legacy age confirmation methods is that they rely on the user’s honesty. A child can choose to click on YES even if they are not of the right age.
But now, there are advancements in age verification services. The technologies incorporate biometrics, two-factor authentication, document verification, etc.
The more advanced verification software even has proprietary privacy tools for confirming ages. For example, the user must complete math equations based on their social security number. That makes it impossible for younger kids to get access to adult content.
There are some noteworthy regulations covering age verification. These include COPPA, CIPA, and the cybercrime division in the FBI.
The EU has AVMSD (The audiovisual media services directive) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
Operators must ensure the protection of children in the digital world. You must keep them from material that may impair their moral, mental and physical development. These include gratuitous violence and pornography.
Adding Age Verification to Your WordPress Site
WordPress has several plugins that you can use for adding age confirmation mechanisms. These include WPForms, OptinMonster, AgeGate, Age Checker, and Agy.
- WPForms has the Form Locker add-on. It allows you to put an age limit on who can fill in specific forms.
- OptinMonsters has age verification pop-ups. There is also the option of asking users to input their birth dates before getting access.
- Age Gate allows you to have your criteria based on age. You can block specific content or the entire WordPress site from the young eyes.
- Age Verification WordPress plugin for customized age confirmation pop-up windows
- Age checker has three age verification methods and plenty of customization options.
To show how to include age verification on WordPress, we will use the Age Gate Plugin.
WordPress Age Verification with Age Gate Plugin
Follow the steps below to add age verification to your WordPress site.
- Install the Age Gate Plugin. The prompts are pretty easy to follow. Once you are through, you should see the Age Gate in the admin area.
- Click on the Age Gate to go to settings. You will see the image below.
Image Source: wpbeginner
- From the settings, choose the different options you want. You can, for example:-
- Restrict selected or all content.
- Customize ages per page level
- Use the yes/no age validation pop up
- Put a time limit on the restriction
- Add the auto check or auto remember option.
You also have the ability to customize the screens as you wish. Click on the message tab and then make your changes. This includes adding descriptions, titles, privacy policies, terms and conditions, and more.
Point to Note
Adding a privacy policy and age disclaimer page to your WordPress site is also essential. Please ensure you include the age limit for anyone who wants to access your content. The other option is to add a form the visitors must fill out to confirm their age.
Please note that these steps only ensure that you follow regulatory requirements. But as we said, they are not foolproof steps.
But thanks to technological advancements, better age verification technologies exist. The age plugins in WordPress are a fantastic starting point. But, it leaves you at the mercy of the user’s honesty. You need to integrate more advanced age confirmation technologies on your WordPress platform.
Final Thoughts
If you have a website that deals in adult content, you must put in place age verification measures. Fortunately, the WordPress platform has tons of plugins you can use. The installation process is pretty simple, only requiring you to follow the prompts. Depending on the plugin, you can customize the features as you wish.
But, consider taking advantage of the advanced technologies for foolproof age confirmation. You can integrate search on your WordPress platform for better age confirmation.
The software uses a whole range of verification methods before accessing information. These include biometrics, data matching, two-factor authentication, and more.
