UK Social Media Ban May Lock Out More Than 100,000 Teens Without ID

The UK government's impending ban on social media platforms for 16- and 17-year-olds could inadvertently exclude over 100,000 British teenagers, as many lack essential photo identification such as passports or driving licenses, according to Ofcom's assessment. Ofcom's online watchdog revealed that approximately 150,000 individuals within the age group do not possess one of these documents, which are expected to serve as secondary verification methods for accessing age-restricted services.

The proposed ban, modeled after Australia's stricter regulations, is set to take effect in the coming spring. Ofcom's head, Melanie Dawes, anticipates that determined adolescents may attempt to circumvent the restrictions, as observed in Australia. The watchdog proposed four robust methods for age verification, including official ID cross-referenced with a live selfie, bank verification of account holders' ages, an official digital ID service like the Young Scot card, or age estimation through a selfie.

Nevertheless, Dawes noted that a form of official ID would likely be necessary as a backup for alternative methods, as facial age estimation could be prone to inaccuracies by several years. Consequently, individuals who do not hold such identification may be impeded from accessing age-restricted platforms and would need to acquire one to comply with the ban.

Ofcom emphasized that over nine out of ten Britons over 16 already have a passport or driving license, suggesting that the majority will likely find ways to comply with the new regulations. The regulator highlighted the cultural shift this policy will bring to society, emphasizing that it will require time for adjustment and collaboration from all stakeholders.