Overview

• From July 25, online platforms must verify users’ ages to block under-18s from accessing pornography, violent extremism, self-harm and eating disorder content under the Online Safety Act.
• Ofcom chief Melanie Dawes called the rules “a really big moment” and authorized platforms to choose among methods such as facial recognition, credit card checks or open banking so long as they prove effective.
• The regulator has warned that platforms failing to implement effective age checks face enforcement actions, including fines of up to 10 percent of global turnover and potential court orders to restrict service availability.
• Bereaved campaigners, led by Ian Russell’s Molly Rose Foundation, will conduct independent research to test whether platforms adhere to the new age-verification requirements.
• Labour cabinet member Heidi Alexander indicated that further legislation will follow this enforcement phase to tighten safeguards for children online.