The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, is demanding stronger age verification measures from social media platforms ahead of a proposed social media age ban. The regulator has launched an investigation into TikTok, questioning whether its current age assurance methods effectively protect minors. Ofcom is also investigating dozens of adult websites and working with Google and Bing to reduce access to unverified pornographic content.

Current age estimation techniques, such as analyzing user behavior or account history, are considered insufficient to reliably verify users’ ages.

Later this year, Ofcom will present Parliament with recommendations for robust age verification methods to support upcoming child online safety legislation.

Read Ofcom.org.uk article for more information.