British uptake of internet services that disguise a user’s online location has surged after new age verification rules came into force in the UK, threatening to undermine government efforts to protect children online.
Thousands of sites offering adult content, as well as popular social media apps including X, Reddit and TikTok, have introduced new “age assurance” systems and controls for UK users since Friday, to comply with the Online Safety Act.
Media regulator Ofcom said it would this weekend start to enforce the new age checks, which are designed to prevent children under the age of 18 from accessing sites that carry pornography as well as other “harmful” material that relates to self-harm, eating disorders or suicide.