US EditionAge Verification UK Explained: What Is It and How Is It Impacting the Internet?
- The Online Safety Act took effect on July 25, 2025, mandating UK online platforms to implement age verification systems aimed at preventing minors from accessing inappropriate material.
- The legislation, approved in October 2023, mandates companies to implement robust age assurance systems for adult content and prevents illegal use of services.
- Platforms like Reddit, X, and Pornhub have introduced or committed to various verification methods including AI selfie checks, photo ID matching, and credit card validation.
- Since the law started, VPN services in the UK saw sharp rises in use, with Proton VPN sign-ups increasing over 1800% as many seek to bypass age restrictions amid privacy concerns.
- Regulator Ofcom is assessing platform compliance and warns that noncompliance could lead to enforcement actions including fines up to £18 million and blocking offending sites.
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48 Articles
48 Articles
In the UK, new age verification rules for adult sites had an immediate impact... but not necessarily the one expected. Since their implementation on Friday, VPNs have seen a dramatic surge in popularity, reminiscent of the situation experienced on this side of the Channel when porn sites were blocked.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources48
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center40Last UpdatedBias Distribution98% Center
Bias Distribution
- 98% of the sources are Center
98% Center
C 98%
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