Online Safety Act Mandates Age Verification on UK Platforms

As of July 25, 2025, the United Kingdom has implemented stringent online age verification measures under the Online Safety Act. This legislation mandates that all websites and applications hosting adult content, must verify users’ ages through robust methods such as facial recognition, ID uploads, and credit card checks. Platforms like Reddit, Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), and Grindr have already begun enforcing these measures. Non-compliance could result in fines up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global revenue. While these regulations aim to protect children from harmful online content, they have raised concerns about privacy and data security. Experts warn that such stringent age checks could lead to surveillance and potential data breaches. Additionally, the use of VPNs to bypass these checks may be discouraged, as alternative tracking methods could still identify users’ locations. The enforcement of these rules marks a significant shift in how online platforms operate in the UK.