IMDb Will Allow Professionals To Remove Birthdate & Birth Name

IMDb has made a decision in the years long battle about the site automatically showing the ages of professionals without permission.

In an update, the site will now allow all professionals on the site to choose whether or not their age and birthdate are displayed.

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The issue of IMDb reporting the ages of entertainers stems from a lawsuit from an unnamed actor who sued the company over printing her age without their consent.

The new policy, which was reached with SAG-AFTRA and GLAAD, will also allow industry professionals to remove other demographic information about themselves.

According to Deadline, the actor’s union has long said that publishing actors’ ages without their permission fuels ageism. Meanwhile, GLAAD has argued that publishing transgender persons’ birth names can put them at risk of discrimination.

“As part of the active and ongoing consultation IMDbPro established with organizations specializing in anti-bias, bullying prevention, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, IMDbPro collaborated with these thought leaders to develop a series of significant product and policy updates to meet the unique needs of their communities and entertainment fans,” IMDb shared in a statement.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher added, “I’m so pleased that IMDb worked closely with us to understand and support the needs of SAG-AFTRA members and all entertainment industry professionals. It is the dawn of a new, more collaborative relationship with IMDb and SAG-AFTRA members. Now, a performer can claim their page and manage their demographic data on their IMDbPro and IMDb pages for free. This means professionals can choose how they want to represent themselves to fans and industry decision-makers. And it will make it easier for casting directors, producers, and others to discover and hire talent from all backgrounds for their project. Bravo IMDb, for your inclusive and honorable approach. May every company follow your lead.”