In a bid to make the UK a safer online environment, the government has implemented its Online Safety Act (OSA), requiring age verification for internet users to access a multitude of websites, including social media and adult content. This legislation aims to shield children from harmful materials by placing a duty of care on online platforms to monitor and manage content.
The law categorizes harmful content into three distinct tiers. The most serious includes pornography and materials that promote self-harm, while the second tier addresses abusive content based on race, gender, or sexual orientation, among other issues. A third category comprises non-designated harmful content that could pose a risk to children. The consequences for failing to comply with these regulations include hefty fines or even the blockage of services.
To enforce these age checks, platforms are required to utilize “highly effective age assurance” methods. This might involve users submitting forms of identification, such as a passport, or taking a selfie to verify their age through third-party services. Social media platforms like Reddit, Bluesky, Discord, and others have already implemented these checks, and even mainstream sites like Spotify have begun using face scans for age verification on restricted content.
While the intention behind the OSA is to protect minors, critics argue that the approach threatens user privacy and freedom of expression. The requirements for age verification pose particular challenges for those without a personal ID or device, potentially excluding significant portions of the population from accessing the internet.
Similar initiatives are being pursued worldwide, with legislation emerging in the U.S., France, and Australia. However, the UK’s implementation highlights challenges and public backlash. Following the launch of age checks, downloads of VPN apps surged, indicating widespread frustration among users who wish to evade this censorship.
The growing opposition is reflected in a petition against the OSA that has garnered over 400,000 signatures, emphasizing the demand for a balanced approach that effectively protects children without imposing undue restrictions on general internet use. Advocates suggest that a more holistic strategy is needed—one that safeguards all users while promoting an open and inclusive online space.
Creating a safe online landscape for all should be a shared objective, and there is hope that this can be achieved through improved policies that prioritize safety without compromising freedom of expression. The ongoing discourse around the OSA may ultimately lead to more thoughtful regulations that reflect the diverse needs of internet users in the UK and beyond.