Policy50 mOctober 7, 2026, 00:20

UK Plans Passport and Facial Age Checks for Social Media Access

From spring 2027, UK adults may need biometric or ID verification to access Instagram, TikTok and other platforms under rules to block under-16s. Secondary legislation under the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 is expected before Parliament by end of 2026, with Ofcom assessing verification methods.

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UK Plans Passport and Facial Age Checks for Social Media Access

Rules would cover Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X and YouTube
Methods under review include facial age estimation, photo-ID matching and bank checks
In Australia, 61% of 12-to-15-year-olds kept access after the ban
Regulations due before Parliament by end of 2026, enforcement from spring 2027

#Instagram#TikTok#Ofcom#YouTube

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