Ofcom outlines ways social media can verify ages of users
Ofcom has recommended four ways social media companies could check whether UK users are aged 16 or over, ahead of a planned ban on under-16s using major platforms. The measures are subject to government approval, and the regulator says providers must choose checks that protect privacy and personal data.
The proposed methods are matching photo ID to a live image, checks using age information held by banks, facial age estimation and digital ID services. Many adults may also need to prove they are old enough, potentially affecting a large number of accounts. Ofcom says checks cannot prevent every child from bypassing the rules, and that responsibility for implementing them remains with social media companies, even if checks are also made at device level.
In short
- Ofcom proposes four ways to check users’ ages.
- The planned ban would stop under-16s using major platforms.
- Social media firms would remain responsible for checks.
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The case for
Age checks could help keep under-16s away from platforms designed for adults, reducing their exposure to harmful content and giving families clearer safeguards. A range of verification methods, with privacy protections, could make enforcement more practical while allowing companies to choose checks suited to their services.
The case against
Age checks may require many adults to share sensitive identity or financial data, creating privacy and security risks and potentially excluding people who lack suitable documents or digital access. Because children may still bypass the checks, the system could impose broad burdens without reliably achieving its protective aim.
Explained simply
Ofcom is the UK regulator that sets rules for communications services, including social media. The government plans to bar under-16s from using major platforms, which would require companies to distinguish younger users from adults.
Age checks can involve sharing sensitive information, such as a photo of an identity document or a face scan, so privacy and data security are key issues. Adults may also have to prove their age, and no check can guarantee that children will never get around the rules.