Reddit Implements Age Verification in the UK Amid New Regulations

Reddit is set to introduce age verification measures for its users in the UK starting on July 14, 2023. This initiative aims to restrict access to “certain mature content” for individuals under the age of 18, aligning with the requirements of the UK’s Online Safety Act. The platform has stated that while it does not seek to know the identities of its users, confirming whether they are minors or adults will support its safety efforts.

The Online Safety Act mandates that websites hosting adult material implement “robust” age-checking techniques. The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has emphasized the importance of these measures, indicating that other companies should adopt similar practices to avoid enforcement actions. Ofcom’s spokesperson commented, “Society has long protected youngsters from products that aren’t suitable for them, from alcohol to smoking or gambling. Now, children will be better protected from online material that’s not appropriate for them, while adults’ rights to access legal content are preserved.”

From July 14, age verification on Reddit will be managed by an external firm called Persona. Users will need to verify their age by submitting either a selfie or a photo of an official government ID, such as a passport. Reddit has assured users that it will not have access to these images; only the verification status and date of birth will be retained to streamline future access to restricted content.

Persona has committed to deleting the submitted images within seven days, further safeguarding user privacy. Reddit’s new age verification system is slated to be fully operational by July 25, 2023, coinciding with the enforcement of the Online Safety Act’s regulations.

In addition to Reddit, other adult websites, including Pornhub, are also preparing to implement enhanced age checks in compliance with the new rules. The parent company of Pornhub, Aylo, has announced plans to adopt “government-approved age assurance methods,” although specifics on the implementation remain undisclosed. Ofcom has previously noted that the current method of simply clicking a button to verify age is insufficient.

Non-compliance with the new regulations could result in severe penalties, with fines reaching up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global revenue, whichever is greater. In the most serious cases, Ofcom has the authority to pursue court orders for business disruption, which may involve blocking access to non-compliant sites within the UK.

As the digital landscape evolves, these new measures mark a significant step in protecting minors online while ensuring that adult users maintain their access to legal content. The implementation of these age verification systems represents a broader effort to create a safer online environment for all users.