Ofcom proposes methods to verify social media users are over 16

Ofcom has recommended several methods to verify that social media users in the UK are aged 16 or over, ahead of a ban on under-16s accessing major platforms starting next March, the BBC reported.

The proposed verification methods include matching photo ID documents like passports against live images, banking-based age checks, facial age estimation technology, and digital ID services, according to BBC Technology.

The UK government is expected to approve these measures, which aim to prevent underage access to platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

Ofcom noted that verifying ages below 18 is challenging because many 16 and 17 year olds lack credit cards, full driving licenses, or passports, and their appearances can vary widely.

The regulator highlighted that facial age estimation technology has recently improved, making it a viable option alongside traditional ID verification approaches.

The UK intends to enforce the ban more strictly than Australia, where a similar restriction was introduced last year but many children found ways to circumvent it.