The UK's online safety regulator, Ofcom, has outlined four primary methods for verifying users' ages to enforce an upcoming ban on social media access for individuals under 16. These methods, detailed by Ofcom, are intended to be "highly effective" in identifying underage users.
The proposed verification techniques include uploading photo identification such as passports or driving licenses, utilizing digital identity services, conducting banking checks, and employing facial age estimation technology. Photo ID matching would involve comparing a user's submitted identification document with a live image. Banking checks would leverage existing age information held by financial institutions with user consent. Digital ID services would allow users to prove their age electronically, while facial age estimation uses AI to determine age from images, though Ofcom cautions that this technology can sometimes be inaccurate and may require secondary verification.
These measures are part of a broader government initiative announced in June to restrict social media use for minors. While under-16s will be completely barred from platforms, 16 and 17-year-olds will face overnight access restrictions from midnight to 6 a.m. Additionally, features designed to encourage prolonged use, such as auto-playing videos and continuously served personalized content, will be disabled by default for older teenagers.
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom's chief executive, acknowledged that determined individuals may attempt to bypass these rules, comparing the challenge to enforcing underage alcohol laws. However, she stated that platforms can mitigate these risks through a combination of verification measures. The regulator also emphasized that these age checks can be implemented in compliance with data protection laws, addressing concerns raised by privacy advocates.
The government is expected to release detailed regulations by the end of the year. Following this, Ofcom will consult on guidance for technology companies and begin monitoring compliance when the restrictions take effect in 2027. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that these measures aim to protect young people from harmful online features, promote better sleep, support academic focus, and encourage more quality time with family and friends, ultimately enabling them to thrive online.