Age Gating
Age gating is a digital access control mechanism that restricts content, services, or features based on a user's age, typically to comply with legal regulations like COPPA, GDPR, or regional age restrictions. It involves verifying a user's age through methods such as self-declaration, ID verification, or third-party services before granting access. This concept is widely used in online platforms, gaming, social media, and e-commerce to protect minors and enforce age-appropriate content.
Developers should implement age gating when building applications that handle sensitive content (e.g., alcohol sales, adult material, or social networks) to meet legal requirements and avoid penalties. It's essential for ensuring user safety, particularly for platforms targeting children, as it helps prevent exposure to inappropriate material and builds trust with users and regulators. Use cases include age-restricted purchases, parental controls in apps, and compliance with data protection laws for minors.