Reconceptualizing Age Assurance as a Sociotechnical Problem: Connecting Evidence, Evaluation, Claims, and Decisions

The conventional view of age verification as a purely technical problem is overly restrictive. Age assurance, encompassing verification, is a complex sociotechnical challenge where evidence is evaluated to make age-related claims, influencing access, purchase, or belonging. A review of 85 publications reveals inconsistencies in terminology, varying representations of age, and a stronger focus on rights, access, and privacy over technical accuracy, error, and fairness, particularly regarding institutional actors.

This research highlights the critical need to view age assurance beyond a technical lens, recognizing its profound impact on individuals' rights and access. A comprehensive, sociotechnical understanding is essential for developing equitable and effective systems that navigate privacy concerns, accuracy, and fairness, particularly as institutional actors increasingly rely on these mechanisms.

Age verification is frequently and incorrectly framed as solely a technical challenge regarding system accuracy.

Forward consideration, not a verified fact.