I think these social networks know with a high degree of accuracy how old a given user is. They have a ton of data points about each user, and not all of them collected directly from the user interacting specifically with the site/app.
Out of all likely methods, this is probably the most reliable. The accuracy of this data underpins the entire value of these social networks (advertising companies).
When I was in the ad buying space in 2010, I was able to segment audiences based on surface level things like demographic. But also more granular things like if they own a grill, or if they are buying swimming pool equipment. Those two data points clearly point to a certain age group.
I’m sure today, ad companies can do even more extrapolation.
I think these social networks know with a high degree of accuracy how old a given user is. They have a ton of data points about each user, and not all of them collected directly from the user interacting specifically with the site/app.
I wouldn’t want to rely on that, they’re already fucking all kinds of automatic checkups
Also, shared devices etc
Out of all likely methods, this is probably the most reliable. The accuracy of this data underpins the entire value of these social networks (advertising companies).
I’m not arguing that it’s not the best option but rather even that has issues and imo we shouldn’t go down that road
I’m mostly saying that companies pretending they don’t know which users are children is almost entirely bullshit.
The consequences of 5% inaccuracy with your targeted advertising are a bit different than with your bans!
Absolutely true.
When I was in the ad buying space in 2010, I was able to segment audiences based on surface level things like demographic. But also more granular things like if they own a grill, or if they are buying swimming pool equipment. Those two data points clearly point to a certain age group.
I’m sure today, ad companies can do even more extrapolation.