Pinterest CEO Ben Silbermann is calling for the implementation of a national digital ID system and a robust age-verification process to enhance online safety for children.
While recent privacy updates from platforms like Instagram have been applauded, Silbermann argues that these efforts are not enough to protect young users from the risks they face on the internet.
Pinterest CEO Calls for National Digital ID, Age Verification
According to Fortune, Silbermann insists that the industry needs to do more, including pushing for collaboration between the government and tech companies to create a national standard for digital IDs and age-verification.
In a recent statement, Silbermann explained that while platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are making strides to protect minors, they are still limited by young users who often lie about their age to gain access to adult content.
Without an effective age-verification system, these updates become ineffective in truly safeguarding children. Silbermann emphasized that parents, too, are struggling with this issue, as many do not utilize safety settings effectively, with only 39% reporting that they use them.
To combat these risks, Silbermann pointed to successful government and industry partnerships in other areas. He compared the need for age-verification to the way the government regulates alcohol purchases, where establishments verify IDs to ensure buyers meet the legal age.
He believes a similar process should be applied to the digital space, ensuring that underage users cannot misrepresent their ages to access inappropriate content.
Also Read: Social Media Platforms Engaged in 'Extensive Surveillance,' Failing to Protect Minors, FTC Finds
Tech Platforms Tighten Online Child Protection Measure
Currently, tech platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are doing what they can to protect minors. Instagram, as Franchise Herald previously reported, rolled out new privacy settings that automatically set accounts for users under 18 to private by default in several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
This update is part of Instagram's efforts to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health. The platform will also restrict interactions between teens and strangers, limit exposure to sensitive content, and implement screen time notifications to encourage healthier online habits.
Parents will play a more active role in managing these privacy settings, particularly for users under 16, who will need parental consent to make their accounts public.
Despite these efforts, critics argue that platforms like Instagram and Meta, its parent company, are still falling short. Some experts view these changes as "self-regulation," with Nicole Gil, co-founder of Accountable Tech, stating that tech companies are trying to avoid government intervention rather than address the problem at its core.
Critics have called for more oversight and stronger regulations to ensure that children are genuinely protected from the dangers of the online world.
Related Article: Instagram Rolls Out New Privacy Settings With Default Private Accounts for Teens to Enhance Child Safety
