Overview

• Ofcom’s age-verification requirements kick in on July 25, obligating all UK websites hosting explicit content and major dating services to verify users’ ages before access.
• Pornhub, Reddit, Discord and dating apps Feeld, Tinder, Bumble and Hinge have publicly confirmed their preparations and chosen verification providers.
• Approved verification methods include biometric facial scans, photo ID matching, credit-card and banking data checks, email-based age estimation and mobile operator filters.
• Noncompliant services face fines up to £18 million or 10 percent of qualifying global revenue and can be blocked from operating within the UK.
• Privacy advocates warn that third-party verification systems could expose users to data-security risks and that tech-savvy minors may circumvent checks with VPNs.