France: Closed consultation on ARCOM framework for determining the minimum technical requirements applicable to age verification systems for access to online pornographic content

On 13 May 2024, the Regulatory Authority for Audio-visual and Digital Communication (ARCOM) closes the public consultation on age verification requirements for online pornographic content. The consultation is based on the Bill Securing and Regulating the Digital Space implemented in 2024, which requires providers of pornographic content to use age verification systems that meet set technical standards. The consultation gathers information on the specific technical reliability of age verification systems, including the protection of minors and adherence to privacy protection standards, including offering the option of double anonymity, implying that the age verification provider generates an age-confirming token without knowing its use. At the same time, the site accepts the token for verification without knowing the user's identity. The consultation also outlines requirements for conducting audits of age verification systems and specifies conditions for third-party auditors.