The Newshound

Millions of Britons could be forced to show photo ID for social media under Labour's under-16s ban, Ofcom warns

Ofcom has identified four age-verification methods — including facial age estimation and bank checks — to keep under-16s off social media from March.
Ofcom has identified four age-verification methods — including facial age estimation and bank checks — to keep under-16s off social media from March.

Ofcom has narrowed down the verification methods it considers robust enough to underpin the ban to just four: matching photo ID against a live selfie, age checks through banking data, digital ID services such as the Young Scot card, and facial age estimation technology. Roughly 150,000 British 16- and 17-year-olds possess no passport and no driving licence, leaving them at risk of being shut out altogether unless they acquire official ID before the restrictions take effect in March.

Facial age estimation technology can be off by several years, so Ofcom argues photo ID may be required as a fallback — akin to a retailer's Challenge 25 policy.

Ofcom chief Dame Melanie Dawes conceded it is 'inevitable' some under-16s will bypass the checks, as has already happened in Australia.

Campaigners have branded the adult ID requirement 'an Orwellian assault on free speech'.

MoreGB NewsBritons may be forced by Ofcom to show photo ID for social media platformsThe GuardianUK social media ban may lock out more than 100,000 teenagers without IDDaily MailUK social media ban plans revealed: How teens can prove their ageMetroThe four ways social media platforms can verify ages for millions of usersThe TelegraphEveryone over 16 may need ID to use social media, Ofcom saysThe IndependentSocial media ban for U16s is coming to the UK – here’s how it will workCity A.M.Millions face ID checks under UK social media ban as Ofcom warns of loopholesBBC News - TechOfcom outlines ways social media can verify ages of usersGB NewsOfcom warns children evading Labour's social media ban is 'inevitable'LBCOfcom sets out age verification plans ahead of under-18s social media bamDaily RecordOfcom shares age check guidance ahead of UK's under 16s social media banAdvanced TelevisionOfcom sets out age verification options - Advanced Television
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →