20.09.2025 21:22

Twitch Introduces Mandatory Facial Scanning for Age Verification

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As of September 15, 2025, Twitch has implemented a new age verification system that requires users to undergo facial scanning using advanced age detection technology. This move marks a significant step in the platform’s efforts to comply with regional regulations, but it has sparked discussions among its global user base.

At this stage, the biometric verification process is mandatory only for users in the United Kingdom. Twitch has stated that this requirement is driven by local laws, likely in response to stricter regulations around online content access and child safety in the UK. The platform has not yet indicated whether this system will expand to other regions, but the precedent raises questions about the future of age verification on Twitch globally.

The verification process involves users submitting a facial scan, during which they are required to remove glasses and headwear to ensure accurate results.

Twitch has emphasized that these video scans are not stored, addressing potential privacy concerns. The platform assures users that the biometric data is processed solely for age verification and is deleted immediately after.

This new system aligns with growing regulatory pressures on digital platforms to protect younger audiences from inappropriate content. However, it also raises concerns about privacy, accessibility, and the potential for exclusion of users who may be uncomfortable with or unable to comply with facial scanning requirements.


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As Twitch navigates this new chapter, the balance between regulatory compliance and user trust will be critical. The platform’s UK experiment could set the tone for how other streaming services approach age verification in the future.


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