# Child-Protecting Internet Services Online Age Authentication Software Aims to Protect Kids By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-05-04 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-age-authentication-software References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2012/05/04/europe-protect-children/) According to the [European Union](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anonymous-age-verification-tools), the Internet was not created with children in mind and its proposal to change that is being spearheaded by its [online age authentication software](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/privately-ageai). Since the Web operates under a cloak of anonymity, predators can lurk around websites virtually undetected and this can be especially dangerous for kids who do not understand what to look out for when surfing online. While the software is still in its early development, the move toward a safer online environment has been discussed at great length in countries all over the world. By creating a system by which to monitor who is visiting certain sites and how old they are, the hope is that online sexual predators can be detected from the onset. As part of this initiative, the EU is also implementing educational online safety programs and software to help users [report harmful content they find online](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-reporting). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Online Age Verification:** Opportunity for companies to develop innovative online age authentication software to protect children from online predators. - **Safer Online Environment:** Growing need for technologies that create a safe online space for children to surf without the risk of harmful content or interaction. - **Educational Online Safety Programs:** Demand for software and platforms that offer educational resources to teach children and parents about online safety and how to report harmful content. ### Where This Applies - **Cybersecurity:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for cybersecurity companies to develop advanced technologies for online age verification and protection. - **Edtech:** Opportunity for education technology companies to create online safety programs and tools that educate children and parents about online risks and how to stay safe. - **Software Development:** Growing demand for software developers to create online age authentication software and platforms that protect children from online predators. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Child Verification Mechanisms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ersb.md) - [Child-Friendly Web Browsers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ursor.md) - [Teen Safety Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ageprediction-parental-control.md) - [Age Verification Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/complycube.md) - [Online Exploitation Education Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childhelp.md) - [Cybersafety-Focused Resource Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/worst-childrens-library.md) - [Internet Safety Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-digital-world.md) - [Digitized Age Verification Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/age-verification-service.md) - [Child-Centric Online Safety Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-safety.md)