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Millions of Britons may need photo ID to use social media as Ofcom warns 150,000 teenagers could be locked out

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 warned that every adult in Britain will likely need to submit photo ID, a facial scan or banking details to keep using Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat when the under-16 ban comes into force in March. The regulator identified four 'highly effective' verification methods but admitted it is 'inevitable' some determined children will find ways around them.

Around 150,000 teenagers aged 16 and 17 hold no passport or driving licence, meaning they may need to obtain ID simply to continue using these platforms.

Campaigners have condemned the verification regime as 'an Orwellian assault on free speech', warning that blanket ID checks punish adults for children's online behaviour.

Ofcom boss Dame Melanie Dawes warned that facial age estimation technology may be off by several years, making photo ID a likely 'backstop' for every other method.

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 ageBBC News - TechOfcom outlines age check methods ahead of social media ban for under-16sMetroThe 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 workGB NewsOfcom warns children evading Labour's social media ban is 'inevitable'City A.M.Millions face ID checks under UK social media ban as Ofcom warns of loopholesDaily RecordOfcom shares age check guidance ahead of UK's under 16s social media banAdvanced TelevisionOfcom sets out age verification options - Advanced TelevisionDeeside.comUnder-16s social media ban: Ofcom sets out how platforms could check users’ age | - Deeside.com
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