As outlined in recent developments, the Online Safety Act in the UK is set to impose significant regulations on how pornographic content is accessed online, primarily focusing on age verification measures. Starting from July 25, 2025, major adult websites like Pornhub are compelled to implement stringent age checks to restrict under-18s from accessing explicit material. This moves to safeguard young viewers is partially motivated by the staggering figure from Ofcom, which estimates that approximately 14 million people in the UK regularly engage with online pornography. However, this proposed regime brings to light numerous concerns regarding personal privacy and the security of individuals undergoing mandatory identity checks.
The introduction of advanced verification technologies raises important questions among users about how their data will be managed and protected. Age verification companies, likely to act as intermediaries, emphasize that they will not store user data or monitor what content individuals are accessing. Iain Corby, representing the Age Verification Providers Association, made a notable remark about database security, stating that a “non-hackable database is no database at all.” This statement underscores the complexities surrounding digital identity management in an age where data breaches are increasingly frequent. Cybersecurity expert Chelsea Jarvie warns that the normalization of extensive online identification could pose risks to civil liberties.
Several methods for age verification are recommended by Ofcom, allowing adult websites a variety of approaches to establish user age. These methods not only seek to provide reassurance to users regarding their privacy but also aim to be user-friendly. Here, we will delve deeper into the specific techniques proposed.
One of the initial methods involves **credit card age checks**. Users input their credit card details, which are authenticated by a payment processor, ensuring that the card is valid. Companies like Verifymy claim that such transactions are secure. They assert that their checks function similarly to hotel check-ins, where no personal information is transmitted to the adult platform aside from a binary response confirming the user’s age.
Another innovative approach is the use of **digital identity services**, such as digital wallets. These services securely store and share age-verifying information, protecting user data via encryption. Omari Rodney from Yoti shared insights on the process: once a document is verified, individual details are segmented and encrypted, accessible only to the owner. Nonetheless, there is some skepticism regarding the over-reliance on digital identities as a primary verification method.
**Email-based age estimation** presents yet another alternative. This involves users providing an email, which is then analyzed against data from other online services to gauge age. Verifymy suggests that this method might be the least intrusive for users, although the company does admit to retaining data for a limited period.
Facial recognition technology is also becoming a method of age verification, where users show their face through a photo or video for assessment. While this method can yield accurate results, it may not be perceived as an ideal solution by many users wary of privacy implications.
**Mobile network operator age checks** are another avenue, where users consent to an age-check service examining their phone details to confirm if age filters are applicable. However, this requires an adult account, making it less viable for certain users, particularly those on pay-as-you-go plans.
Lastly, **open banking** checks enable users to verify their age through their bank accounts securely. According to Rob Kotlarz of OneID, this method is straightforward yet may deter users from sharing banking information purely for accessing adult content.
An additional option involves **photo ID matching**, which requires users to upload an image of their ID alongside a selfie for comparison. This method raises similar concerns as extensive checks regarding the user’s data privacy and whether they could be considered overly intrusive.
Overall, while the Online Safety Act aims to protect minors, the methods imposed for age verification present both advantages and drawbacks. The critical balance between ensuring safety for younger audiences and preserving the privacy rights of adult users remains a contentious topic as these systems are rolled out in the UK.
