By Islam El-Sakka
More than 100,000 British teenagers risk being locked out of social media platforms when an under-16 ban takes effect next spring, according to the UK's online safety regulator Ofcom. The watchdog estimates about 150,000 young people aged 16 to 17 do not own a passport or driving licence, which are likely to be required for age verification on restricted services.
Age Verification Challenges
The Australia-style ban will cover platforms including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and Kick. Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes acknowledged that "motivated children" would seek to bypass restrictions, as has occurred in Australia since its ban began in December 2024. A survey of 900 Australian parents found 31% reported their children still had social media accounts after the ban, down from 49% before.
Ofcom Assessment and Methods
On Thursday, Ofcom published an assessment outlining four "highly effective" age verification methods: matching official ID against a live selfie, bank verification of an account holder's age, official digital ID services such as the Young Scot card, and facial age estimation via selfie. However, the regulator said a form of official photo ID would probably be needed as a "backstop" because facial age estimation can be inaccurate by several years.
Implementation Timeline
The government is expected to introduce regulations confirming the ban by the end of this year. Ofcom will also open a consultation on the best age verification methods before issuing official guidance on which measures platforms should adopt. Dawes described the ban as a "huge cultural shift for the UK" that will take time to adjust.
