The innovative photo mode in Death Stranding, featuring the likeness of actor Norman Reedus, has unexpectedly become a tool for young gamers in the UK to bypass the new online age verification system. This system is a key component of the nation's extensive Online Safety Act. The rollout of the K-iD system was met with skepticism and quickly turned into a source of humor, with many users finding ways around its restrictions within mere hours.
PC Gamer's Jacob Ridley and James Bentley shared their experience, revealing that they were uncertain whether the system would function properly with their character Sam sporting an otter cap. Surprisingly, they found that it worked flawlessly. Thanks to this clever workaround, they were able to enjoy Baldur's Gate 3 fanfiction on Discord once again. Although they emphasized that all participants were over the age of 18, they acknowledged that this method offers a playful hack to keep their real identities hidden from Discord's stringent age verification requirements.
The K-iD system employs two primary methods for age verification: Face Scan and Scan ID. The latter is straightforward, requiring users to present valid identification. In contrast, the Face Scan method estimates a user's age based on facial recognition technology, determining if individuals appear old enough to access adult content. This approach has raised concerns, as users have discovered that it can be easily circumvented.
Discord's age verification is part of a broader legal framework that many believe is fundamentally flawed. Critics argue that the system relies on a bureaucratic structure that is unlikely to achieve its intended goals. Implemented by private companies looking to cut costs, the regulations impose significant financial burdens while being readily outsmarted by tech-savvy individuals. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in genuinely protecting minors online.
While the playful use of Death Stranding's photo mode as a workaround for age verification may seem harmless, it underscores a significant issue in the design of online safety measures. The fact that these systems can be easily bypassed raises concerns about the protection of minors in digital spaces. As the debate continues over the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act, it is clear that there is a growing need for more robust, realistic solutions that genuinely safeguard users while respecting their privacy.
