UK's Ofcom Introduces Stricter Online Age Checks for Explicit Content

The new draft guidance from the United Kingdom's Ofcom reveals plans to implement stricter age verification measures for online pornographic content. To prevent children from accessing explicit sites, the watchdog suggests scanning users' faces to verify their age.

As per Reuters, privacy campaigners have raised concerns about potential data leaks and the far-reaching consequences of age checks.

Growing Concerns over Children Viewing Porn

A recent survey indicates that the average age at which children first view pornography is 13. This alarming statistic underlines the need for robust measures to protect young individuals. The Children's Commissioner's survey found that as many as one in ten children have been exposed to explicit websites by the age of nine.

BBC reported that the newly enacted Online Safety Act mandates social media platforms and search engines to safeguard children from harmful online content. Ofcom, entrusted with its enforcement, can impose hefty fines on non-compliant companies. The regulatory body has outlined the expected compliance standards for age verification, emphasizing the necessity for "highly effective" checks.

Proposed Age Verification Methods

Ofcom's guidance presents various recommended age verification methods. These include requiring government photographic identification such as a passport, confirming if age restrictions have been removed from a mobile phone, conducting credit card checks, and using digital ID wallets that securely store proof of age.

Facial age-estimation technology is touted as an additional measure to enhance age-verification accuracy. Websites can use software to scan users' faces and determine whether they are adults. If necessary, sites could request further checks for individuals who appear younger than a certain pre-determined age, similar to how retailers ask for ID from those who appear under 25 when selling alcohol.

Ofcom acknowledges that no age assurance method will be foolproof, and some users may find ways to bypass age checks. However, the watchdog stresses the importance of websites implementing robust safeguards and measures to deter fraudulent attempts.

Liveness Checks and Photo ID Security

Additional measures like "liveness checks" are proposed for systems that rely on photo ID comparison. Websites must ensure the authenticity of the user by guarding against the use of counterfeit or borrowed ID, as well as photographs of someone older, in an attempt to deceive the verification process.

Ofcom expects the new age verification regulations to be enforced starting in 2025. Companies operating explicit websites must demonstrate compliance with these measures. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties imposed by Ofcom.

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