FTC Announces Virtual Workshop on Age Verification Technologies for Jan. 28

USA: FTC Announces Virtual Workshop on Age Verification Technologies

A virtual workshop on age verification technologies is scheduled for January 28, 2026, organized by a U.S. federal agency to examine methods that help online services confirm the age of visitors. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. ET to 5:00 p.m. ET and will be conducted entirely online.

Workshop Overview

The session is intended to address a range of issues surrounding age‑verification tools, including their effectiveness, privacy implications, and compliance with existing consumer‑protection statutes. Participants will have access to a webcast link posted on the agency’s event page.

Key Participants

Opening remarks are slated to be delivered by the agency’s chairman, Andrew Ferguson, alongside Commissioner Mark R. Meador and Director Christopher Mufarrige of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Their statements are expected to frame the discussion around current regulatory priorities.

Panel Discussions

Four panel discussions will follow the opening remarks, featuring experts from industry, advocacy groups, and academia. Topics will include technical standards for age verification, the impact on children’s online privacy, and best practices for integrating verification systems without compromising user data.

Public Involvement

Attendees are encouraged to join the conversation on the platform X using the hashtag #AgeVerifyFTC, allowing broader public input and real‑time commentary. The agency has indicated that feedback collected during the workshop may inform future guidance.

Implications for Online Platforms

By convening stakeholders, the agency aims to clarify expectations for companies that host user‑generated content or provide services to minors. Clearer guidance could affect how platforms design age‑gating mechanisms and handle personal information.

This report is based on information from FTC, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.