Overview
- Starting July 14, Reddit UK users must verify their age with a selfie or government ID through third-party provider Persona to access mature content.
- Persona deletes uploaded ID images after seven days and Reddit retains only users’ birthdate and verification status.
- Restricted content under the new measure includes sexually explicit material, self-harm encouragement, hate speech and violent or other harmful posts.
- Ofcom can fine non-compliant platforms up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue and expects other companies to implement similar checks.
- Reddit has added an optional global birthdate field and may expand mandatory checks to other regions, with campaigners advocating device-based or digital ID wallet solutions to limit data collection.