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Month: July 2025

Age Verification Laws in Australia | 18Verified

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Understanding Age Verification Laws in Australia: What Businesses Need to Know in 2025

As digital safety regulations tighten worldwide, Australia is increasingly focused on introducing robust age verification systems across various online platforms. From adult content to gambling and vape sales, age-restricted industries must prepare for stricter compliance — or risk fines, shutdowns, or legal consequences.

In this blog, we explore the current age verification laws in Australia, the industries most affected, and how businesses can prepare with smart, privacy-respecting solutions like 18Verified.

🔍 What Is Age Verification and Why Is It Important?

Age verification is the process of confirming a user’s age to ensure they are legally allowed to access certain content, products, or services. It’s most often used for:

  • 18+ websites and adult content
  • Online gambling
  • Vape and tobacco sales
  • Alcohol delivery services
  • Social media and digital platforms with harmful material risks

The purpose of these laws is to protect minors from inappropriate or harmful content, and to help platforms meet ethical and legal responsibilities.

🇦🇺 Age Verification in Australia: The Legal Landscape

Australia does not yet have a single national law that mandates age verification across all digital platforms, but changes are coming fast. Multiple government bodies have called for tighter regulation, and legislation is being proposed to make age verification mandatory for some industries.

1. The eSafety Commissioner’s Role

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has led the push for stronger online protections for minors. In 2023, eSafety released a position paper advocating for mandatory age assurance systems for:

  • Social media
  • Adult websites
  • Gaming and streaming services

In 2024, they began working on a mandatory code that would require age verification technology for adult content platforms.

“Age assurance is necessary to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content,” — eSafety Commissioner

This means platforms targeting or unintentionally accessible to minors must now prepare for compliance in 2025.

🔞 Who Needs Age Verification in Australia?

If your business operates in any of the following areas, it’s time to take age verification seriously.

✅ 1. Adult Content Providers

Websites hosting explicit 18+ material will soon be legally required to implement age verification gateways. This includes:

  • Pornographic websites
  • Adult entertainment platforms
  • Escort directories
  • Sex toy stores

Proposed laws mirror models already active in the UK and US states like Louisiana and Utah. A user simply ticking a box or entering a birthdate won’t be enough.

✅ 2. Online Vape and Tobacco Retailers

The sale of vape products to minors is banned across all Australian states and territories. While physical stores check ID manually, online sellers are under pressure to use digital age verification methods before processing sales or shipments.

✅ 3. Gambling & Betting Sites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and Austrac require gambling websites to meet KYC (Know Your Customer) obligations, including age and identity checks.

✅ 4. CBD, Alcohol, and Restricted Substance Sellers

Alcohol delivery services must comply with state-level ID laws, but enforcement is inconsistent. However, adding a digital age gateway protects your business, especially as regulators tighten their approach.

⚠️ The Risks of Not Complying

If your Australian business does not have robust age verification in place, you could face:

  • Fines or enforcement by eSafety, ACMA, or state regulators
  • Payment processor restrictions or account suspensions
  • Deplatforming from advertising networks or app stores
  • Loss of customer trust and brand damage

🛡 What Counts as “Robust” Age Verification?

Basic age gates like “Are you over 18?” are no longer acceptable under emerging guidelines. Stronger methods include:

  • Government-issued ID upload
  • Credit card or payment verification
  • Facial recognition with age estimation
  • Third-party platforms like 18Verified

✅ How 18Verified Can Help Australian Websites Stay Compliant

At 18Verified, we offer a plug-and-play age verification solution designed for Australian websites that need fast, simple, and legal compliance.

  • Users verify once and pay a small subscription
  • Access to all participating websites with one login
  • No face scans required — just ID or credit card

We help you meet eSafety and regulatory standards — without losing customers or slowing down your website.

📦 Who Is 18Verified Built For?

  • Escort directories
  • Adult content websites
  • Vape, CBD, and alcohol e-commerce
  • Online casinos and betting platforms

🔐 Privacy & Data Protection

We take privacy seriously. All user data is encrypted, and we do not track or log browsing history. Your business gets compliance peace of mind, and your users retain their digital freedom.

💡 Final Thoughts

Australia is on the path to mandating strong, consistent age verification across digital industries. Whether you’re in adult entertainment, e-commerce, or gambling, now is the time to act.

With 18Verified, you can stay compliant, protect your brand, and offer users a seamless verification experience.

📲 Ready to Get Compliant?

Visit 18Verified.com today to learn more or request a demo.

Why U.S. Websites Need a Robust Age Verification Gateway

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Why U.S. Websites Need a Robust Age Verification Gateway – And Why 18Verified Is the Best Choice

As online regulation continues to tighten across the globe, age verification has become a legal requirement in many industries. In the United States, various federal and state laws now mandate that businesses offering adult content, restricted products, or age-sensitive services implement robust age verification systems to protect minors and ensure legal compliance. Whether you operate a vape store, adult entertainment site, gambling platform, or cannabis-related business, you need to take age verification seriously.

In this blog, we’ll break down which industries are affected, what the legal expectations are, and why 18Verified is the smartest, most cost-effective choice for businesses looking to stay compliant without breaking the bank.

🔒 Why Age Verification Matters More Than Ever

With increased pressure from lawmakers, regulators, and parents, digital platforms are now expected to do more to shield minors from inappropriate or harmful content. In the U.S., while there is no single national age verification law, many states have already introduced or are considering legislation that requires online businesses to implement stricter age-gating procedures.

Old-school methods like a simple checkbox or a “Yes, I’m over 18” pop-up are no longer considered acceptable. Businesses are now expected to use “reasonable age verification” methods, which usually means requiring users to provide either:

  • A valid credit card
  • A government-issued photo ID
  • Or a third-party verification service like 18Verified

Failure to do so can result in legal action, fines, or even platform takedowns.

🚨 Which U.S. Websites Need Age Verification?

1. Adult Entertainment Websites

From video platforms to cam sites and escort directories, adult websites must verify that users are over the age of 18. Several states, including Utah, Louisiana, and Texas, have passed legislation mandating strict age verification for adult content. Courts are now siding with regulators, and platforms that fail to comply risk being blocked or sued.

18Verified offers adult sites a legal, secure, and privacy-first solution to meet these state-level compliance requirements with ease.

2. Vape and E-Cigarette Retailers

Online vape stores must ensure their customers are over 21 in most U.S. states. The Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act (PACT Act) already requires online sellers to verify age both at checkout and upon delivery.

By integrating 18Verified, vape websites can easily verify customer age before allowing access to product listings, helping avoid hefty fines and chargeback fraud.

3. Cannabis and CBD Businesses

Cannabis and CBD products are legal in many U.S. states, but access is heavily restricted by age. Some states require buyers to be 21+, others 18+. Selling these products online without verifying customer age can result in license revocation or criminal penalties.

18Verified helps cannabis brands avoid non-compliance by introducing a seamless, fast age gate powered by credit card or ID verification, without storing sensitive data.

4. Online Gambling & Sports Betting Platforms

Gambling and sports betting sites are heavily regulated, and operators must verify that users are of legal age (typically 18 or 21, depending on the state). States like New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania require licensees to prove they’ve implemented robust identity and age checks.

With 18Verified, gambling platforms can perform one-time verifications that meet regulatory standards, keeping them in good standing and trusted by users.

5. Adult Dating & Webcam Chat Apps

Apps that promote adult interaction, dating, or live chat services are under increased scrutiny. Whether you’re running a mature-themed dating app or a cam model platform, regulators expect you to keep underage users out.

18Verified gives users one secure verification and allows access across all participating platforms, making it perfect for companies that want both compliance and conversion.

✅ Why 18Verified Is the Best Solution

💰 Unlimited Verifications – One Flat Fee

No more paying for every visitor who clicks “verify.” With 18Verified, you pay a fixed annual fee starting from just $299/year, and you get unlimited verifications — no matter how much traffic you generate. This is a game-changer for businesses that don’t want their compliance costs to scale with their growth.

⚡ Fast & Easy Setup

We offer two simple integration options:

  • Plug & Play – drop-in code for most websites, no developer needed
  • API Access – fully customizable for advanced users

🔐 User Privacy Comes First

We don’t track browsing history. We don’t store sensitive documents. 18Verified verifies the user’s age — and nothing else. It’s designed to be compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection standards.

Users love it because it’s quick, private, and requires no repeated uploads. Businesses love it because it builds trust and avoids legal headaches.

🌐 One Login. Many Sites.

Once verified, users can access all participating 18Verified websites with a single login. This increases convenience, encourages customer retention, and removes friction from the user experience.

🧠 Why Subscription Models Work for Compliance

Subscription pricing isn’t just a business model — it’s a smarter way to stay legal.

  • You know your compliance costs upfront
  • You don’t pay for bounces or failed verifications
  • You can handle growth without worrying about rising costs
  • You avoid the “per-check” trap that punishes your success

It’s scalable, predictable, and fair — especially for small businesses who need to comply with the law but can’t afford thousands in verification fees.

💼 Who’s Already Using 18Verified?

We work with:

  • Escort directories
  • Adult creators
  • Vape & CBD eCommerce stores
  • Gambling affiliates
  • Adult dating apps
  • And more

They’ve chosen 18Verified because it’s easy to use, cost-effective, and built to meet real legal standards — not just checkboxes.

🔚 Final Thoughts

If your website or platform serves age-restricted content or products, ignoring the law isn’t an option. As legislation tightens across the United States, businesses need a reliable, legally-compliant age verification system that doesn’t destroy their margins or scare away users.

18Verified delivers everything you need:

  • ✅ Unlimited verifications
  • ✅ One flat annual fee
  • ✅ Fast setup
  • ✅ Complete legal compliance
  • ✅ User-first privacy and simplicity

Don’t wait for a lawsuit or platform takedown to act.

👉 Visit 18verified.com today to get started.

What Industries Are Affected by the New UK Age Verification Laws – And Why Compliance Is Essential

Posted on by admin@18verified

Starting 25th July 2025, the UK government will enforce strict new age verification regulations aimed at protecting children from harmful online content. These laws require websites offering age-restricted products or services to verify the age of their users before granting access. Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover.

But what exactly does this mean for your business? Below, we break down the industries most affected and why acting now is crucial.

1. Adult Content Websites

Any platform hosting or linking to sexually explicit content will be directly impacted. This includes pornography websites, erotic blogs, adult forums, and dating platforms with NSFW features. The law mandates that users must prove they are 18 or older before gaining access—cookie popups and disclaimers are no longer enough.

2. Vape & E-Cigarette Retailers

Online vape stores must implement robust age verification systems to prevent underage sales. Whether selling e-liquids, vape pens, or accessories, these businesses are legally required to confirm that customers are over 18 at point of access, not just at checkout.

3. Gambling & Betting Platforms

From sports betting sites to online casinos, gambling platforms have long been regulated—but the new laws go further. Age verification must now occur before any gameplay or deposit takes place, regardless of whether the user eventually places a bet.

4. CBD, Hemp & Cannabis Product Sites

CBD oil, edibles, and hemp products are increasingly popular, but they remain age-restricted in many regions. UK retailers selling these items online must ensure visitors are 18+ before they can browse product pages or make a purchase.

5. Firearm, Knife, and Hunting Equipment Retailers

Websites that sell hunting gear, knives, or firearm-related equipment must verify users’ age prior to access. This includes air rifles, archery supplies, and tactical gear. The regulations apply even if the products are intended for sport or display.

6. Escort & Adult Services Directories

Escort agencies and adult entertainment directories that advertise 18+ services are also required to verify user age. Simply placing a warning on the homepage is no longer acceptable under the new legislation.

Why Is Compliance So Important?

The UK government has made it clear that these new rules are not optional. Sites that fail to comply risk:

  • Being blocked by UK internet service providers
  • Fines up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover
  • Reputational damage and loss of consumer trust

These laws are designed to create a safer internet for everyone, particularly children. Businesses that comply early show leadership and a commitment to online safety.

How 18Verified Can Help

18Verified offers an affordable, privacy-focused age verification solution that keeps you compliant without sacrificing user experience. Our unique model charges the user £2/month for access to all participating sites, saving businesses thousands in pay-per-check fees.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get compliant now.

👉 Join 18Verified today and protect your business before the deadline hits.

Why the Pay-Per-Verification Model Is Costing Businesses Thousands – And What to Do Instead

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Why the Pay-Per-Verification Model Is Costing Businesses Thousands – And What to Do Instead

If you run a website that sells adult content, vapes, gambling products, CBD, or anything age-restricted in the UK, you’re likely exploring ways to stay compliant with the new age verification laws coming into effect on 25 July 2025.

But here’s the problem: most age verification providers use a pay-per-check model — and it can seriously damage your bottom line.

🚨 The Problem with Pay-Per-Verification Pricing

Most providers charge between £0.50 and £2.00 per verification check. That might sound reasonable… until your website starts to scale.

Let’s say you get:

  • 1,000 visitors/month: £500 – £2,000/month
  • 10,000 visitors/month: £5,000 – £20,000/month
  • 100,000 visitors/month: £50,000 – £200,000/month

You’re essentially being penalised for your own growth. The more popular your site becomes, the more you pay — even though you’re offering the same product or service.

💸 Real Price Comparison: Pay-Per-Check Providers

ProviderPer Check PriceMonthly Min.Annual Cost @ 10k checks/month
AgeChecked£0.25None£30,000
Sumsub£1.35£150/month£162,000+
Yoti£30 per bundleN/APrice depends on usage
Trust Swiftly£0.25£49/month£30,000+
Jumio£310/month + usage feesYesVaries based on scale

✅ The 18Verified Advantage: One Price, Unlimited Growth

18Verified flips the model. We’re the only age verification gateway that charges the user, not the business.

  • Users pay just £2/month
  • Businesses pay a flat yearly fee
    • £300/year for Plug & Play
    • £500/year for API access
  • Unlimited verifications
  • One login for all 18Verified sites
  • No per-check fees
  • No growth penalties

This fixed-cost approach gives your business a sustainable, compliant future — especially as traffic increases.

🔒 What’s Included with 18Verified?

  • Full compliance with UK’s Online Safety Act & Ofcom guidelines
  • Card or ID-based verification — no face scans
  • GDPR-compliant data handling
  • Seamless user experience
  • Access to our growing network of 18+ businesses

🧠 Why This Matters Now

As the 25 July 2025 deadline approaches, businesses are racing to become compliant. But if you choose a pay-per-check provider, your long-term costs could spiral.

Switching to a subscription-based model like 18Verified means:

  • No stress about traffic volume
  • No surprise invoices
  • No scaling costs
  • Just simple, affordable compliance

✅ Ready to Save Thousands?

Join 18Verified today — and stop paying for every visitor.

👉 Get Started Now

Why Age Assurance Technology Is Key to Safety by Design | 18Verified

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Why Age Assurance Technology Is Key to Safety by Design and Age-Appropriate Online Experiences

Published on 20 November, the UK Government’s Draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for Online Safety outlines its goals for creating safer digital environments. At the core of these priorities is age assurance technology—a key enabler of age-appropriate, privacy-first online experiences.

Understanding the Government’s Online Safety Priorities

  • Safety by Design: Build safer platforms by default, especially for children, and eliminate safe havens for illegal content such as abuse or disinformation.
  • Transparency & Accountability: Ensure tech companies are held responsible for their safety outcomes.
  • Agile Regulation: Monitor and tackle emerging threats like AI-generated content and fraud.
  • Inclusivity & Resilience: Promote digital literacy and social resilience against online harms.
  • Innovation: Encourage the growth of online safety technologies to protect users and promote digital trust.

The Role of Safety by Design

Safety by Design is a proactive framework that integrates safety features from the start of digital product development. However, designing effective safeguards depends on knowing the age of users. Without it, platforms can’t provide suitable protections for children, teens, or adults.

What Is Age Assurance?

Age assurance includes technologies that verify or estimate a user’s age to ensure access to age-appropriate content. These include:

  • AI-powered age estimation (facial or behavioural)
  • ID verification checks
  • Email-based age estimation

Unlike outdated self-declaration methods (“Are you 18+?”), modern age assurance is privacy-preserving, accurate, and designed to minimise friction for users.

How Age Assurance Supports Safer Online Experiences

1. Preventing Harmful Content Exposure

Platforms can restrict adult content, ads, and interactions for under-18s, shielding them from inappropriate material.

2. Tailored Experiences by Age

Children can access curated content and strict privacy controls, while teens may receive tools like reporting features or limited messaging options.

3. Empowering Parental Controls

Accurate age data enables effective parental oversight while supporting a child’s independence.

4. Legal Compliance

Regulations like the UK Online Safety Act and EU Digital Services Act require platforms to design with minors in mind. Age assurance is mandatory for regulatory compliance.

5. Building Trust and Transparency

With stronger protections, users and parents can trust platforms more, strengthening brand loyalty and industry credibility.

Balancing Safety with Privacy

Effective age assurance must respect user privacy. At 18Verified, our solutions include anonymised and GDPR-compliant tools like:

  • Email-based age estimation
  • Photo ID matching
  • Facial age estimation
  • Mobile network and credit card checks

The Future of Age Assurance Technology

As safety standards evolve, age assurance is becoming the digital default. Platforms that adopt these technologies now will stay ahead of compliance demands, avoid fines, and provide better user experiences.

Powered by AI and machine learning, tools like email-based age estimation are fast, frictionless, and preferred by users worldwide. With 99.94% of users having email access, it’s the most inclusive option on the market today.

Conclusion: Age Assurance Is a Digital Imperative

Age assurance technology isn’t just about compliance—it’s about responsibility. It’s the cornerstone of delivering age-appropriate, inclusive, and safe online spaces. As outlined in the Government’s strategy, platforms must act now to embed age assurance into their services by design.

At 18Verified, we help businesses implement highly effective age assurance systems that comply with UK regulations while protecting user privacy. Contact us today to learn more.

Ofcom Confirms Email-Based Age Estimation as a Compliant Solution for Pornography Sites Under the Online Safety Act

Posted on by admin@18verified

On 16 January 2025, Ofcom released its long-awaited official guidance on age assurance for adult content platforms under the UK Online Safety Act (OSA). The new rules require pornography sites—starting with platforms that publish their own content—to demonstrate they are protecting children from accessing explicit material online.

Crucially, the guidance confirms that users will not need to upload ID documents. Instead, Ofcom supports innovative age assurance methods such as email-based age estimation—a low-friction, privacy-first solution now recognised as fully compliant.

In this article, we break down the key takeaways from Ofcom’s announcement and explain why email-based age estimation, pioneered by 18Verified’s technology partner Verifymy, is the future of online compliance for adult content providers.

What Does the Online Safety Act Require?

The Online Safety Act (OSA) is a UK law that mandates all online services, including adult content platforms, to implement highly effective age assurance solutions to prevent children from accessing pornography.

The Two Service Categories

  • Part 5 Services: Platforms that publish their own pornographic content (e.g. studios, pay sites)
  • Part 3 Services: Sites that host user-generated adult content (e.g. tube sites, cam platforms, fan sites)

Key Compliance Deadlines

DateRequirement
January 2025Part 5 services must begin implementing highly effective age assurance. Part 3 services must assess children’s access risks.
April 2025Ofcom will publish the Protection of Children Codes and guidance.
July 2025All services must have a compliant age assurance system in place.

To enforce compliance, Ofcom has launched an Age Assurance Enforcement Programme, requiring all relevant providers to confirm their compliance status by 5 March 2025.

What Is “Highly Effective” Age Assurance?

To meet Ofcom’s standard, age assurance solutions must be:

  • Technically accurate
  • Robust
  • Reliable
  • Fair

Accepted methods include:

  • Email-based age estimation ✅
  • Facial age estimation
  • Mobile operator checks
  • Open banking
  • Photo ID checks
  • Digital identity services
  • Credit card checks

⚠️ Self-declaration is not accepted.

Why Email-Based Age Estimation Is a Game-Changer

Among the approved methods, email-based age estimation stands out for its accuracy, privacy, and low-friction implementation—making it ideal for adult content sites seeking high compliance and low user drop-off.

✅ Technically Accurate

  • Certified under PAS 1296:2018 to EAL 3
  • 0% false positives in ACCS EAL level 3 testing
  • Accurately identifies age using only an email address

✅ Robust

  • Anti-spoofing via One Time Password (OTP)
  • Users must verify ownership of the email

✅ Reliable

  • Uses third-party identity signals
  • Aligned with Ofcom’s reliability framework

✅ Fair & Inclusive

  • 99.94% of users have email access
  • Bias-free and accessible across all demographics

✅ Commercially Viable

  • 73% of users prefer email checks over ID scans
  • Seamless integration with minimal drop-off

Seamless Compliance Without Losing Conversions

Unlike traditional ID verification methods, email-based age estimation is:

  • Fast and unobtrusive
  • Compliant with Ofcom and OSA
  • Privacy-preserving
  • Ideal for platforms already collecting email addresses

At 18Verified, we offer this solution along with:

  • Facial age estimation
  • Photo ID matching
  • Credit card checks
  • Mobile operator lookups

👉 Explore our age assurance solutions

Ofcom’s Enforcement Is Real – Act Now

Ofcom is actively contacting pornography providers and expects full compliance declarations by 5 March 2025. Sanctions for non-compliance include:

  • Regulatory fines
  • Criminal penalties
  • Platform takedown orders

Now is the time to upgrade to a highly effective, low-friction age assurance solution.

A Message from Our Team

Lina Ghazal, Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs at Verifymy:

“As the Online Safety Act rolls out, 2025 must be a year where regulatory talk turns to action. Only effective implementation will drive real-world results.

At Verifymy, we are giving platforms the tools they need to meet regulatory requirements head-on—while protecting both children and adult users.”

Conclusion

The Online Safety Act is here—and Ofcom’s 2025 guidance makes it clear that adult platforms must act fast. With email-based age estimation, providers can meet all legal obligations without losing users, violating privacy, or disrupting revenue.

  • ✅ Fully compliant
  • ✅ Certified under PAS 1296
  • ✅ Preferred by users
  • ✅ Trusted by regulators

👉 Contact 18Verified today to stay ahead of regulation and protect your business.

Tags: Online Safety Act UK, Ofcom age assurance guidance, age verification for porn sites, email-based age estimation, PAS 1296 certified, adult site compliance 2025, Verifymy, 18Verified, frictionless age assurance, age verification software, UK porn regulation, OSA enforcement, digital identity UK

The Future of UK Pornography Regulation: Key Takeaways from the Porn Review

Posted on by admin@18verified

The long-awaited UK Porn Review, led by Baroness Gabby Bertin, marks a major step toward more effective regulation of online pornography. The report includes 32 key recommendations aimed at reducing harm, eliminating illegal content, and bringing online standards in line with offline media regulations.

For businesses operating in the adult content space, this review signals a shift from guidance to enforcement—and the need for urgent action to implement highly effective age verification and content moderation solutions.

Stronger Oversight for Adult Platforms

One of the core recommendations is the expansion of regulatory oversight. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) may soon be tasked with auditing and certifying adult content platforms that follow best practices—a significant shift from its traditional role, which was limited to physical media sold in licensed shops.

This change would bring:

  • Greater accountability for online pornographic content
  • Stronger enforcement of ethical and legal standards
  • Increased trust from users and regulatory bodies

At 18Verified, we welcome this move and stand ready to help platforms meet these evolving standards.

Targeting Harmful and Non-Consensual Content

The Porn Review shines a spotlight on the normalisation of violence in porn, particularly scenes involving non-fatal strangulation or ‘choking’. While this is a criminal offence when done without consent, its portrayal online remains legal.

The review recommends:

  • Stricter regulation of violent and degrading content
  • Ethical content standards to reduce real-world harm
  • Implementation of a Safe Pornography Code based on BBFC guidelines

It also calls for the removal of step-incest-themed content from search results and homepages—a common feature of mainstream adult platforms that the review identifies as harmful and misleading.

Tackling AI-Generated and Deepfake Pornography

Another major concern raised is the rise of AI-generated explicit content, including:

  • Deepfake pornography
  • Nudification apps that create non-consensual nudes

The Porn Review proposes a ban on AI-powered tools used to produce synthetic pornographic material without the subject’s consent. These tools pose a significant threat to privacy and are widely used to target women, celebrities, and minors.

Regulating this area will be critical in the months ahead—and platforms must be ready to detect and prevent AI-based abuse.

Mandatory Age Verification Under the Online Safety Act

The Online Safety Act (OSA), passed in 2023, legally obliges online services to protect children from accessing pornographic material. According to the Porn Review, Ofcom should be granted powers to prosecute platforms that fail to remove illegal or harmful content.

By July 2025, all services hosting or distributing pornography—whether original or user-generated—must implement a “highly effective age assurance” system.

Examples of accepted methods include:

  • ID document checks
  • AI-based age estimation
  • Email and mobile number analysis

At 18Verified, we provide all of these in a GDPR-compliant, privacy-preserving, and scalable format.

Implementation Is the Next Crucial Step

While the Porn Review provides a strong foundation for reform, real progress depends on political will and enforcement. The incoming Labour Government has a clear mandate to prioritise online safety—especially for women, children, and vulnerable communities.

Key factors for success include:

  • Timely adoption of recommendations
  • Enforcement powers for Ofcom and BBFC
  • Industry-wide adoption of age verification and content moderation tools

As Baroness Bertin’s report makes clear, the UK is positioned to lead globally on online pornography regulation, much like it has on deepfake legislation. But implementation must be swift and effective.

18Verified Supports Safe, Legal, and Compliant Online Content

At 18Verified, we’ve been working at the forefront of age assurance, consent management, and content moderation to ensure online platforms meet the latest legal standards.

  • ✅ Certified to PAS 1296:2018
  • ✅ API and plug-and-play integration
  • ✅ Subscription-based, cost-effective compliance
  • ✅ Trusted by platforms preparing for OSA enforcement in July 2025

👉 Explore our age verification solutions
👉 Speak to our compliance team today

Tags: UK Porn Review 2025, Online Safety Act, age verification software, BBFC regulation, AI-generated porn, deepfake detection, non-consensual content, child protection, Safe Pornography Code, online content moderation, adult platform compliance, 18Verified, PAS 1296, ethical porn standards UK

UK Online Safety Act: Enforcement Begins — What Businesses Need to Know

Posted on by admin@18verified

Monday, March 17th, 2025, marked a turning point in the UK’s digital safety landscape. On this date, key provisions of the Online Safety Act officially came into force, requiring platforms to implement robust measures to protect users—particularly children—from illegal and harmful online content.

This milestone also launched Ofcom’s new enforcement programme, signalling the start of real accountability for digital platforms.

What Does the Online Safety Act Require?

From March 17th, platforms that fall under the scope of the Online Safety Act are legally required to:

  • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments related to illegal harms (by March 16th)
  • Evaluate how their platforms could be used to host or distribute illegal content (e.g., child sexual abuse material, terrorism, hate speech)
  • Implement effective measures to identify and remove illegal content swiftly
  • Proactively prevent ‘priority’ illegal content from appearing on their services

This shift marks a clear movement from policy talk to platform responsibility—and enforcement.

The Start of a New Era in Online Accountability

For the first time, online platforms are being formally held accountable for the illegal content shared through their services. While some campaigners believe this initial phase doesn’t go far enough, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of an evolving regulatory process.

By laying strong foundations now, the Online Safety Act opens the door for even greater protections in future phases.

Ofcom’s Role in Enforcing Online Safety

As the appointed regulator, Ofcom is leading the charge on enforcement. Over the past year, it has worked closely with platforms, tech providers, and safety advocates to define expectations and provide compliance guidance.

Now, Ofcom is exercising its powers with:

  • Information notices
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Potential enforcement actions for non-compliance

According to Lina Ghazal, Head of Regulatory & Public Affairs at Verifymy, the biggest challenge will be ensuring that Ofcom enforces its powers fairly and proportionately, while encouraging platforms to adopt the right measures at the right time.

Why Age Assurance Technology Matters

One of the most effective tools in the fight against online harm is age assurance—including both age verification and age estimation solutions. These technologies allow platforms to:

  • Restrict underage access to harmful or adult content
  • Detect suspicious or high-risk activity
  • Comply with UK and international regulatory standards

At 18Verified, we offer scalable, privacy-first age assurance solutions that help platforms meet their legal duties—without disrupting the user experience.

Listening to Civil Society and Evolving the Framework

Children’s rights organisations and online safety advocates have welcomed this new enforcement phase—but also stressed the need for ongoing improvement. The scope of online harm remains significant, and enforcement must adapt to reflect the latest risks.

That means:

  • Continuing collaboration with civil society
  • Taking on feedback from researchers and affected communities
  • Refining enforcement strategies as new challenges emerge

Online Safety Is Not a One-Time Fix

Creating a safer internet is a long-term responsibility. Platforms must consistently update their safety practices, and regulators like Ofcom must remain responsive to change.

Key principles for success:

  • ✅ Transparency
  • ✅ Collaboration with industry & civil society
  • ✅ Use of advanced technologies
  • ✅ Ongoing risk assessments

Technology Is the Key to Compliance

The tools to achieve compliance are already available—and essential. These include:

  • ✅ AI-powered content moderation
  • ✅ Scalable age verification & estimation
  • ✅ Proactive detection systems
  • ✅ Secure and GDPR-compliant infrastructure

At 18Verified, we help businesses integrate these solutions to build trust, avoid fines, and protect users.

What Happens Next?

March 17th was just the beginning. The Online Safety Act introduces a new era of regulatory oversight, and every platform must stay ahead by acting now—not later.

👉 Learn how 18Verified can help you meet your Online Safety Act duties
👉 Get in touch with our compliance experts

Tags: Online Safety Act, UK online regulation, Ofcom enforcement, age verification, age assurance, illegal content removal, online child protection, 18Verified, platform compliance, digital safety law UK, March 2025 safety act, GDPR age checks, Lina Ghazal, online harm reduction