Research by Internet Matters indicates that over a third of children in the UK have successfully bypassed online age verification measures mandated by the Online Safety Act. These measures are required for social media, gaming, and pornographic platforms.
Methods Used by Children
Children are employing various methods to circumvent these checks, including using fake birthdays and even drawing on facial hair. One mother reported that her son used an eyebrow pencil to appear older. Additionally, one in six parents admitted to assisting their children in bypassing these age gates.
Survey Findings
The report highlights that nearly half of UK children surveyed believe age verification checks are easy to bypass, and 32 per cent confirmed they have done so. Furthermore, 49 per cent reported encountering harmful content online recently.
Internet Matters urged the government to ensure the proper enforcement of existing legislation, hold both regulators and platforms accountable for compliance, and promptly address any gaps in the law to better protect children online.
Government and Regulator Response
Both the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Ofcom have affirmed the Online Safety Act's clear demands for platforms to protect children. Ofcom stated it will use its enforcement powers against non-compliant companies. The government is also consulting on potential age curbs and limitations for under-16s on social media.
