Open Rights Group has warned of serious privacy and security risks for people in the UK as online platforms start to ask users to verify their age, as required by the Online Safety Act. There are also freedom of expression harms as platforms require age verification to access features and content.
From 25 July 2025, many websites and online services must verify that their users are over 18. These checks are not only being introduced to restrict access to pornography services but to any platforms that allow the sharing of content that could be ‘harmful’ for under 18s. Services that have implemented age assurance so far include social media platforms, Reddit and Bluesky, and the dating app Grindr.