Platforms like Reddit, Bluesky, Discord, and Pornhub have begun enforcing mandatory age verification in the UK to comply with new regulations aimed at protecting children from harmful content. These platforms primarily check user ages through IP address location, which leaves a loophole for users employing VPNs to bypass these restrictions. Ofcom has mandated that verification methods must be strong and effective, but the lack of specificity raises questions about the security of current practices, which include submission of bank details or selfies that could potentially be spoofed.
Platforms like Reddit, Bluesky, Discord, and Pornhub are implementing mandatory age verification to adhere to UK online safety rules. This aims to prevent children's access to harmful content.
The age verification primarily depends on users' IP addresses, allowing tech-savvy teens to bypass restrictions using VPNs, which can mask their actual location.
Ofcom has not specified the exact requirements for age verification, only stating they must be "strong" and "highly effective," leading to concerns about the methods being used.
Current verification methods include users providing bank card info, images of IDs, or selfies, but it's debatable whether these processes can be easily spoofed.
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