- Italy announces age verification system for adult websites
- The measure comes into force on 12 November
- Google searches for VPN are on the rise
Italy has joined the UK, France and several US states in introducing age controls for adult content online. On Friday, the country’s communications authority, AGCOM, announced that the rules will come into effect on November 12.
This is how Italy’s age verification system works
According to the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA), the Italian system “guarantees a high level of security and protects personal data” thanks to a “double-anonymity” feature.
This feature means that the verification process is split in two: a certified third party verifies a person’s identity and generates a secure token, which is then presented to the adult site. It is important that the third party does not know what content is accessed and the website learns nothing about the individual.
If successful, the system would be a clear improvement over some others recently introduced. However, consolidating people’s information into one third-party system—even if it’s separate from the destination website—still creates a high-value target.
What’s more, because the process must be repeated every time someone wants to access the website, the potential for data insecurity increases.
Which sites are affected?
When the system comes into effect, it will affect about 50 sites that AGCOM already has listed. It is likely to increase, however, and may soon extend beyond adult websites – as EPRA states, age verification’s “scope may be extended in the future to include other services unsuitable for minors.”
As has been the case in the UK, expanding the scope of age verification measures could attract serious criticism, and it appears that some people are already looking for ways around the restrictions.
What do people think?
Despite the confidentiality and security guarantees, it appears that some people in Italy are already planning ways to circumvent the controls.
According to Google Search Trends, interest in VPNs has increased significantly in the past week, and searches for ’12. November’ – the date when the new restrictions are due to come into effect – has increased by 140%.
The concern, as is often the case with age verification systems, is that people will turn to insecure VPN apps and other shady platforms in the hope of keeping their data safe while actually putting it at risk.
So if you’re really worried about your data, it’s always worth doing your research and using a well-known brand like NordVPN or Proton VPN.
