Britain's communications regulator Ofcom identified four ways to check whether social media users are at least 16 on October 29, as the UK prepares new restrictions on children's access. Its assessment says photo ID matching, banking information, digital identity services and facial age estimation can meet a highly effective standard, subject to proper implementation.
The government's published plans envisage an under-16 social media ban from spring 2027, with initial regulations presented to Parliament before the end of 2026. The government says the approach follows Australia's model and is intended to reduce exposure to harmful content. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are not intended to fall within the ban.
Ofcom's assessment highlights an access problem for older teenagers who should remain eligible to use social media. Photo identification may be required directly or as a fallback when another method cannot establish age reliably. Sky News reported that about 150,000 people aged 16 and 17 lack both a passport and a driving licence, potentially limiting their verification options.
The regulator also warned that no method can eliminate attempts to bypass checks. According to Sky News, facial estimates can be wrong by several years and may require a second check. Platforms could make suspected underage accounts easier to report and use age estimates based on online behaviour to help reduce circumvention, the broadcaster reported.
Privacy remains part of the design challenge. In a statement on October 29, the Information Commissioner's Office welcomed Ofcom's assessment but said checks must safeguard personal information and people's data rights. It said it was working with the government and Ofcom on the new rules, alongside assessing age assurance providers' compliance with data protection law.
Ofcom says it will consult on draft guidance after draft regulations are laid, so the assessment is a step toward implementation rather than a completed rulebook. The ICO also urged platforms to strengthen protection now for users below their existing minimum ages, usually 13, instead of waiting for the new framework.
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