Age Verification Policy (18+)

1) Age-gating

• We may display an age prompt or require an age confirmation before you can view or use parts of the site.
• We may restrict certain pages, features, or content until age confirmation is provided.

2) When we may request verification

We do not routinely collect identity documents. However, we may request additional verification if reasonably necessary for:

• fraud prevention or account security,
• safety and harm prevention,
• legal or regulatory compliance (including obligations that require 18+ access),
• signals that a user may be under 18 (e.g., user reports or inconsistent account information).

3) Verification methods

If verification is triggered, we may ask for one or more of the following (as appropriate):

• date of birth confirmation and additional account details,
• a photo of a government-issued ID showing date of birth (you may be asked to mask non-essential fields),
• a selfie or liveness check to help confirm the ID belongs to you,
• other age-assurance information reasonably necessary to confirm you are 18+.

4) How we use and protect verification information

• Used only to assess eligibility (18+) and to protect the platform and its users.
• We aim to collect the minimum information required and store it securely with access controls.
• We retain verification records only for as long as necessary for the purpose collected, or as required/allowed by law.
• Handling of personal information is subject to the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and our privacy practices.

5) If we suspect a user is under 18

If we suspect a user is under 18 or cannot confirm they are 18+:

• we may restrict access to age-restricted areas immediately,
• we may place the account into a limited state while verification is pending,
• we may remove or disable content associated with the account as needed for safety and compliance,
• we may suspend or permanently close the account.

6) Consequences of refusal or failed verification

• If you do not provide requested age verification, access may remain restricted and your account may be suspended or closed.
• If verification indicates you are under 18, we will close or restrict the account and block further access to 18+ features.