Ofcom outlines age check methods ahead of social media ban for under-16s

Ofcom outlines age check methods ahead of social media ban for under-16s — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/ofcom-outlines-age-check-methods-ahead-of-social-media-ban-for-under-16sContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. Ofcom outlines age check methods for UK social media banhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/ofcom-outlines-age-check-methods-ahead-of-social-media-ban-for-under-16shttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/ofcom-outlines-age-check-methods-ahead-of-social-media-ban-for-under-16s#u166849Sun, 01 Nov 2026 05:25:28 +0000Ofcom has identified four age assurance methods to enforce the UK's under-16 social media ban: photo ID matching, bank checks, facial age estimation, and digital ID. The ban is set to take effect in March 2027. These methods aim to verify users' ages, with many adults also expected to verify their age. The move is part of the UK's efforts to regulate social media and protect children online.Why it mattersThe UK government has announced plans to ban social media use for under-16s, citing concerns over online safety and the impact of social media on children's mental health.