In this episode of Family Matters, Simon talks with Iain Corby, the Executive Director of the Age Verification Providers Association, and asks whether we can have it all – age verification; big tech accountability; limited government involvement; and privacy.

Iain elaborates on how age can be verified without disclosing identity, shedding light on different technologies used globally, including on-device solutions that enhance privacy. He explains methods like facial age estimation, hand movement analysis, and more.

Iain also discusses digital IDs as well as the legislative landscape, emphasising a light-handed approach by governments and the potential benefits of private sector solutions. In his conversation with Simon, Iain underscores the importance of age verification in creating safer online environments for children, comparing it to real-world age verification standards, and expressing the hope that New Zealand will adopt advanced, privacy-preserving solutions learned from other countries.

If you are someone currently engaging in the debate around under 16 year olds accessing social media, or the wider discussion of digital IDs, this is the podcast for you.