Ofcom has warned the government that children will find ways around the incoming under-16s social media ban, despite identifying four methods that could be “highly effective” at enforcing the age checks.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to press ahead with the age-based social media ban, following a similar measure introduced in Australia last year. The move was initially announced by Sir Keir Starmer towards the end of his premiership, and regulations confirming the ban are expected to be introduced by the end of the year. The rules are due to come into effect in 2027.
Four effective age-check methods identified
Publishing their assessment on Thursday (October 29), the communications regulator identified four methods that could be “highly effective” at checking whether users are 16 or older: banking checks, photo ID, digital ID, and facial age estimation technology.
According to Ofcom, it is “inevitable” that some under-16s would get around the checks, but social media firms could reduce the risk by making it easier to report suspected underage accounts or by using technology that estimates a user’s age from their online behaviour.
Accuracy concerns and guidance development
The regulator also warned that some facial recognition technology could be inaccurate by several years, meaning some users would need to undergo a second check. About 150,000 16 and 17-year-olds are estimated to have neither a licence nor a passport, limiting their options to prove their age.
Ofcom said it was developing draft guidance for social media firms that would open for consultation when the government’s plans come before Parliament. Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said: “This ban will shape the future of children’s lives online so it’s important to get it right. It can work if social media firms do highly effective age checks properly, and we’ve set out ways that could be achieved.
“We should expect that motivated children will seek to bypass the restrictions – just like alcohol laws can’t completely eradicate underage drinking – but there’ll be ways for platforms to mitigate this risk.”
