UK Rolls Out Controversial Age Verification for Online Adult Content
The United Kingdom has officially commenced enforcement of its Online Safety Act, ushering in a new era of stringent age verification for adult content accessible online. As of Friday, individuals attempting to access pornographic material in the UK are now required to undergo “highly effective age checks,” which can include submitting a selfie for age estimation or providing photo identification.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed the rollout, emphasising the government’s commitment to protecting users, particularly children, from inappropriate content. Ofcom, the UK’s media regulatory body, has outlined several acceptable methods for websites to comply, ranging from credit card verification to advanced photo ID matching and even AI-powered age estimation through selfies.
Major adult entertainment platforms have reportedly agreed to implement the new regulations. Even popular social media platforms such as Reddit and Bluesky have already integrated age verification systems that meet the Online Safety Act’s requirements.
However, the new measures have not been without immediate pushback from internet users. Reports indicate that some are already employing virtual private networks (VPNs), AI-generated fake photo IDs, or even high-quality selfies of video game characters to bypass the checks. In response, the new legislation also prohibits websites from promoting VPN services specifically designed to circumvent age verification.
Ofcom has stated its intent to rigorously monitor compliance, with severe penalties awaiting companies found in breach of the rules. Fines could reach up to £18 million or 10 percent of a company’s global revenue, underscoring the government’s resolve to ensure the Online Safety Act’s effectiveness.
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