New child safety laws are now in force under the Online Safety Act, designed to protect under-18s from harmful online content including pornography, self-harm, suicide, and eating disorder material.
The changes mean that people now have to prove their age to access such content, using secure methods like facial scans, photo ID or credit card checks. Platforms must ensure that strangers cannot directly message children, and that under-18s are not recommended accounts to connect with.
While users may see more age checks when signing up or browsing, the government says privacy will not be compromised. Services must use safe, proportionate, and secure methods that do not store personal data unless strictly necessary, and they must comply with UK data protection laws.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) remain legal, but platforms are responsible for stopping children from bypassing safety protections. This includes blocking content that promotes VPNs to young users. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 10% of global revenue or £18 million.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:
“This marks the most significant step forward in child safety since the internet was created. The reality is that most children aren’t actively seeking out harmful, dangerous, or pornographic content – unfortunately it finds them. That’s why we’ve taken decisive action.”
NSPCC Chief Executive, Chris Sherwood, said:
“These experiences can have devastating impacts both immediately and long into the future. While the Online Safety Act can’t erase this pain and anger, it can be a vehicle for significant and lasting change.”
The government says the Act also protects freedom of speech, with a proportionate, risk-based approach that does not require platforms to block legal adult content unrelated to serious harm.
Article Credit: loveandover