Arcom imposes “double anonymity” to verify the age of users on pornographic sites

This system should make it possible to transmit proof of majority without disclosing the identity of the Internet user, while 2.3 million minors frequent pornographic sites in France.

The Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom) has adopted a framework to govern the “reliability of user age control” on pornographic sites while respecting their privacy. It will impose at least one system of “double anonymity”.

With this framework adopted on Wednesday and announced on Friday October 11, Arcom specifies the technical requirements that these sites will have to put in place to block their access to minors, that is to say a concrete solution for age verification beyond a simple click, after the adoption in May of the law aimed at securing the internet.

This document sets minimum objectives for all age verification systems, including at least one device respecting the “double anonymity”, allowing proof of majority to be transmitted without disclosing the identity of the Internet user. But the sites targeted “will remain free to choose the solutions of their choice” of the moment “that they comply with the technical requirements of the framework”, specifies Arcom.

These sites now have three months to comply with the standards, under penalty of sanction by Arcom. They have a transitional period of three additional months if they adopt bank card authentication. The body intends to authorize, on a temporary basis, that these sites are accessible upon presentation of an existing and valid bank card, with a strong authentication system which can be carried out by an independent third party.

According to the institution, this framework aims above all to “recall the conditions for the effectiveness of online age verification systems, while avoiding their circumvention”. He also emphasizes “protection of privacy” what these age verification systems must guarantee for access to pornographic content. The National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties, responsible for regulating personal data, has confirmed that it welcomes “favorably” this repository.

According to Arcom, 2.3 million minors visit pornographic sites in France. From the age of 12, more than half of boys using the Internet visit these sites on average every month.