{
  "id": 17080179,
  "title": "Ofcom explains how it wants social media platforms to keep out under-16s",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/ofcom-explains-how-it-wants-social-media-platforms-to-keep-out-under",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-29T13:44:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/computing/social-media/the-risks-arent-hypothetical-ofcom-reveals-age-check-plans-for-uk-social-media-ban-but-privacy-experts-arent-convinced"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has proposed several methods to enforce a ban on under-16s using social media platforms. These methods include photo ID matching, bank-based checks, digital ID services, and facial age estimation via a webcam. Ofcom believes these approaches are highly effective, although none have been confirmed yet. The regulator also identified ineffective methods, such as self-declaration, general contractual agreements, and verifiable parental consent. Ofcom emphasizes that privacy must be protected while implementing these age checks. However, experts warn that circumvention is likely, with a recent survey showing that 42% of 11-15-year-olds plan to try and bypass restrictions.",
  "summary": "Under-16s won't be allowed on social media platforms from some point next year, and here's how Ofcom says it could happen.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}