UK Adult Websites Can Now Request Selfies and ID Verification

Some adult content websites in the UK may soon require users to verify their identity in order to access their content. The UK regulatory authority, Ofcom, has announced plans to implement new age verification measures for websites that provide adult content or other content intended for adults. The goal is to create a more reliable system for verifying users’ ages.

This measure is part of the Online Safety Act, a law in the UK aimed at reducing the impact of harmful content on the internet for minors by imposing restrictions on what they can access. Ofcom is responsible for enforcing the law and taking action against entities that do not comply. Since the beginning of the year, Ofcom has been notifying various content providers that their content should be limited according to the new law.

Ofcom has stated that it will soon publish a list of all online platforms that must implement age verification measures for their content, based on ongoing research. These platforms will be required to implement proper age verification measures, such as requesting a selfie or identification card information, to help validate the age of visitors. However, this measure has received criticism from privacy advocates who argue that it infringes on internet users’ privacy rights.

The law has also been accused of limiting users’ freedom of expression and their ability to access online content. While the intention behind the Online Safety Act is to protect minors from harmful content, it is important to consider the potential impact on privacy and freedom of speech.

It remains to be seen how effective these age verification measures will be in practice and whether they will strike the right balance between protecting minors and respecting users’ privacy. As technology continues to evolve, finding the right solutions to ensure online safety for all remains a complex challenge.