In one sentence: Age verification is a way for a website or app to check that you are old enough to use it.
Why it matters: Laws differ by country. In the UK, Ofcom says some sites must use strong age checks, and ticking a box is not enough. Methods include photo ID and face age estimation. In the US, rules vary by state and by service. This is not legal advice.
One thing to do: If a site asks you to prove your age, check that it is the real site and read how it uses your data.
Related terms: parental controls, AI companion, privacy settings
Checked: 25 Oct 2026. Rules and company policies change.