Ofcom says UK under-16 social media ban likely to need photo ID checks
The regulator identified four effective age-checking methods, but warned that some children would still be able to bypass them.
Older teenagers will probably have to provide photographic identification under the UK's planned ban on social media use by under-16s, online safety regulator Ofcom has said. The ban is due to take effect next year.
In a report commissioned by the government, Ofcom identified four methods it considers sufficiently effective for establishing whether someone is at least 16. Three involve a passport or driving licence at some point: matching a user to photo ID, checks through a digital identity service and bank-based verification.
The fourth option, estimating age from a person's face, may require an additional check through one of the other methods because estimates are less accurate at younger ages.
The findings will inform implementing regulations that ministers aim to bring before parliament this year. The government has pledged stricter enforcement than Australia, requiring platforms to adopt highly effective age checks.
Ofcom cautioned that no approach could prevent every attempt to evade the checks. It recommended allowing users to flag accounts suspected of belonging to underage children and using technology to infer age from account activity.
Although verification would require personal data to be processed, Ofcom said the available methods could protect privacy and meet data protection requirements. It plans to consult on additional guidance for platforms after the regulations are laid before parliament.
