Quote:
Originally Posted by blackmonsters
Which states require ID scans for age verification and don't accept face scans?
Google says :
There are currently no U.S. states that specifically require physical ID scans while outright banning face scans for age verification.
Turn your lights bright and do the face scan and hold still with you face in the circle.
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I mean i can google too?
Quote:
No, standalone facial age estimation is generally not legally compliant on its own across all states. While some platforms use facial analysis as an initial screening tool, most state laws dictate strict "comprehensive" verification methods that facial estimation alone cannot reliably satisfy.The primary reasons why pure facial age estimation falls short under current state laws include:
1. Statutory "Commercial Data" Requirements
The pioneering state laws (such as those in Louisiana, Texas, and Utah) explicitly dictate that platforms must verify age using a government-issued ID or "public or private transactional data" (like a credit card or a soft credit check). Because standalone facial estimation only creates an "educated guess" based on biometrics rather than cross-referencing a verified database, it does not meet the strict text of these specific statutes.
2. High Margin of Error and Legal Liability
The penalties for non-compliance are severe, reaching up to $10,000 per violation per day in states like Arizona and Louisiana. Facial age estimation has an inherent margin of error. Algorithms struggle with:The "Age Buffer" Problem: To ensure minors are blocked, regulators typically require an age buffer. For example, to allow an 18-year-old access, the system might have to estimate their physical appearance to be at least 23. This means many legitimate adults over 18 are blocked purely because they look young.
Demographic Bias: Extensive studies have shown that facial age estimation models are significantly less accurate across different skin tones and ethnicities, creating unequal access and an unacceptable compliance risk for adult platforms.
3. Verification vs. Estimation
State statutes strictly mandate age verification (confirming who you are and your legal eligibility). Facial scanning only provides age estimation or assurance (guessing how old you look).
How Face Scans Are Actually Used
To remain legally compliant, websites use a hybrid biometric check, which is fundamentally different from standalone estimation. In a hybrid system:You take a photo of a government ID.
You take a live face scan (selfie).
The AI matches the face scan to the photo on the ID to ensure you are the actual owner of that legal document.
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So I mean if you want to trust your legal expertise to google be my guest but facial recognition and email age verification aren't exactly the full burden of proof you need to verify a users age by most state laws. I'm just saying 1. I agree that age verification is here to stay (even though its literally bullshit) and 2. my experience with go.cam
if you solution to unreliable facial scans is to stand in front of a circle light considering most porn users are probably not in a well lit room anyways when surfing ill say that matches your advice with the facial scans and lack of govt ID.
I'll say its great that go.cam is free and is attempting to be a free service for adult webmasters and im not saying dont use go.cam im just saying my experience with them wasnt that great trying it out and i went a different route. If it improved in the future and was completely compliant i'd revisit it. Nothing wrong with giving feedback such as you are doing now and your love for go.cam