There's no fooling AI about your age with a selfie

As governments crack down on online platforms from social networks to porn sites, business is booming for one sector offering AI age checks based on selfies.

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The technology promises speed and accuracy in implementing laws like Australia’s social media ban for under-16s - in force from 10 December.

As a user, verifying your age with the technology is a breeze.

All it requires is taking a head-on selfie with a phone or computer camera and an automated decision is made within a minute.

“We estimated your age is 18 or older,” read a popup window on the Roblox gaming site.

At startup Yoti’s spacious London office, mannequin heads - some fitted with wigs or masks - are lined up along one of the windowsills for testing.

Their Al is not fooled by them.

“We can’t be sure that the image was of a real face,” said one test platform installed on a smartphone.