The initiative targets ten major digital services, including Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, to restrict younger teenagers under a policy pending official approval. Ofcom suggested platforms adopt photo identification matching, banking verification, facial age estimation, or digital ID platforms to address coverage gaps. Platforms are granted discretion to select methods that protect data security, rejecting calls from companies like Meta to delegate enforcement to app stores. A final governmental decision on the regulatory framework is expected by the close of the year.
Key points
Social media companies must operate their own verification systems rather than relying on…: Social media companies must operate their own verification systems rather than relying on app store level restrictions.
Many adults across the United Kingdom will be required to verify their ages to retain pla…: Many adults across the United Kingdom will be required to verify their ages to retain platform access.
Platforms are permitted operational flexibility to choose privacy-preserving tools to man…: Platforms are permitted operational flexibility to choose privacy-preserving tools to manage the large volume of accounts requiring checks.
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- Published
Ofcom has set out its recommendations for the most effective ways to identify which of the UK's millions of social media users are aged over 16.
Under the UK's social media ban - which is due to come into force in March next year - those under that age will be prevented from accessing ten of the biggest platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
Many UK adults are also likely to have to confirm that they are not under-age by using one of the proposed measures, which are subject to government approval.
A similar ban was introduced in Australia last year but many children there have found ways to get round it. The UK says it intends to take a tougher approach.
Age verification below 18 is challenging because 16 and 17 year olds don't have credit cards or full driving licences, and may not have passports either. They can also look significantly older or younger than they are.
To address that challenge, Ofcom has - in addition to traditional forms of ID - recommended four methods that…
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