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How Age Verification Laws Vary Across the United States

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How Age Verification Laws Vary Across the United States—and What It Means for Your Website in 2025

When people think of “U.S. law,” they often assume a single federal standard. In reality, age-verification rules are a patchwork of state-by-state mandates that shift depending on the type of content or product you offer—pornography, cannabis, gambling, vapes, even social-media access. If you operate nationally, you can’t rely on one policy and hope for the best; you need a flexible solution that adapts to each jurisdiction.

Below is a tour of the most important differences, plus practical tips on staying compliant with 18Verified—the subscription-based gateway that keeps every click on the right side of state lines.

1. Adult-Content “Porn Pass” Laws: Six States, Six Flavours of Enforcement

StateCore RequirementNotable Twist
LouisianaAct 440 forces “reasonable age verification” (ID or government-approved app)Allows private civil lawsuits against non-compliant sites
UtahSB 287 requires age verification and allows users to sueHigh statutory damages: $150,000 per violation
ArkansasAct 612 mandates ID checks for sites with ≥25% adult contentMajor platforms blocked access in response
TexasHB 1181 requires ID checks and warning noticesFines and potential criminal penalties for non-compliance
VirginiaSB 1515 creates a civil cause of actionEarly adopter of the civil liability model
West VirginiaPending SB 633 seeks biometric + ID scanWould be the strictest law yet if passed

Take-away: No two laws read the same. That’s why 18Verified dynamically adjusts to each state using geo-aware logic and ensures you’re always compliant—automatically.

2. Online Gambling & Sports Betting: From “In-Person First” to Fully Remote

  • Nevada: Requires in-person registration plus ongoing geolocation and ID checks.
  • New Jersey: Allows full online registration but requires KYC/AML checks and auto-logouts.
  • Delaware: Requires ID verification for real-money gambling accounts.

Take-away: Verification requirements vary by state and product. With 18Verified, you can adjust verification flows automatically without needing to recode for each state.

3. Cannabis & CBD: ID-Scanning Mandates vs. Visual Checks

StateMinimum AgeVerification TechRequirement
Illinois21Mandatory electronic ID scanAt point of sale; data retention requires consent
California21Visual inspectionNo statewide digital scan mandate

Take-away: One chain selling in multiple states needs hybrid systems. 18Verified handles both scan-based and visual-only workflows via its smart interface.

4. Vapes & Tobacco: Federal Baseline, Local Overlays

The PACT Act requires age verification for all vape shipments. But:

  • 15+ states require ID scan upon delivery.
  • California’s SB-1230 increases penalties for sellers without digital age checks.

Take-away: From checkout to shipping label, 18Verified integrates age checks where they’re legally required, reducing your risk across state and federal levels.

5. Social Media & General Platforms: A New Frontier

Several states (e.g., Mississippi, Utah, Arkansas, Florida) are enforcing age-verification requirements for social platforms, especially for users under 18.

Take-away: Even non-explicit platforms may now require age checks. 18Verified offers simple credit card or ID verification embeds to meet these new standards without disrupting your UX.

6. Why a One-Size-Fits-All Plugin Fails—and How 18Verified Solves It

  • Unlimited Verifications: No pay-per-check fees—flat business pricing, user-funded model.
  • Privacy-First: No face scans. No browsing history tracking.
  • Audit Trail: Full logs of which method was used, per state.
  • Future-Proof: Laws change—we update; your site doesn’t need to.

SEO Strategy: Capture State-Specific Traffic

Optimise your website with high-intent phrases like:

  • “Texas porn ID law”
  • “Illinois cannabis ID scan”
  • “Do I need age verification in California?”
  • “PACT Act vape shipping rules”

18Verified helps your site rank—and stay compliant—at the same time.

Ready to Simplify Multi-State Compliance?

If you run a vape store, adult website, gambling platform, or any age-restricted service in the U.S., 18Verified protects your business with state-aware, unlimited verification workflows.

👉 Book a demo at 18Verified.com and stay compliant across all 50 states—without the stress.

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.

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

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

What Is the Online Safety Bill? A Full Breakdown for UK Businesses

Posted on by admin@18verified

The Online Safety Bill is a landmark piece of UK legislation designed to make the internet safer for everyone—especially children. First published as a draft on 12 May 2021, it follows the Government’s Online Harms White Paper and introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework that compels UK tech companies to take responsibility for the content on their platforms.

In this blog, we’ll explain how the bill affects online businesses, why age verification is essential for compliance, and what your company can do now to prepare.

The Origin: Online Harms White Paper

The Online Safety Bill stems from growing public concern over illegal content, cyberbullying, and child exploitation online. The UK Government responded with the Online Harms White Paper, which marked the beginning of a bold plan to “make Britain the safest place in the world to be online.”

With the increasing accessibility of the internet and the rise of user-generated content, it became clear that existing regulations weren’t enough. The Online Harms Bill was the first step toward systemic change.

Who Will Be Affected by the Online Safety Bill?

The bill primarily impacts businesses that:

  • Allow user-to-user interactions
  • Host user-generated content
  • Provide search engine services

This includes social media platforms, video-sharing websites, dating apps, forums, and any online service where users can upload or share content. If your business operates in these sectors, you’ll be legally required to assess the risks posed to children and introduce safety features, such as age verification technology.

What Are the New “Safety Duties”?

The Online Safety Bill introduces strict new “safety duties” for tech companies. These include:

  • Removing illegal content quickly and effectively
  • Preventing the spread of harmful material
  • Assessing whether children are likely to access the service
  • Implementing robust age verification software to protect minors

Failure to do so could result in severe regulatory penalties.

When Will the Online Safety Bill Become Law?

While there’s no fixed date, the Online Safety Bill has strong backing from Government and was featured in the Queen’s Speech—highlighting its national importance.

The next stages include:

  1. Pre-legislative scrutiny by a joint committee from the House of Commons and House of Lords
  2. Formal introduction to Parliament (expected after summer 2021)
  3. Full legislative review, which may take several years

However, with strong public and political momentum, UK businesses are urged to prepare now rather than wait.

‘Safety by Design’ and Government Guidance

On 29 June, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) released new guidance to help businesses create safer digital environments. The emphasis is on:

  • Data privacy and child protection
  • Minimising risk on live streaming and user-generated content platforms
  • Encouraging “safety by design” practices in product development

This aligns with the upcoming Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC), another major shift in digital regulation.

What Is the Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC)?

The AADC comes into force on 2 September and sets out 15 data protection standards for online services likely to be accessed by children in the UK.

Key elements include:

  • Recognising the age of individual users
  • Tailoring content and data practices to their age group
  • Using age verification tools to prevent access to inappropriate services

The AADC is a direct result of the EU Audio-Visual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and places strong emphasis on user privacy and platform accountability.

What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance?

The draft version of the Online Safety Bill gives Ofcom—the UK’s media and communications regulator—the power to:

  • Fine companies up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover (whichever is higher)
  • Pursue criminal penalties against senior managers and executives for persistent non-compliance

This is one of the most significant regulatory changes to hit the UK’s digital sector and will affect businesses of all sizes.

Online Safety Is Now a Legal Responsibility

Online safety is no longer just an ethical consideration—it’s a legal requirement. Both the Online Safety Bill and AADC aim to create a secure digital space for users of all ages, especially children. Businesses must now build in safety features from the ground up and demonstrate that they are protecting their users in meaningful ways.

How 18Verified Helps Your Business Stay Compliant

At 18Verified, we make age verification simple, secure, and cost-effective. Our technology ensures you comply with UK regulations while delivering a seamless experience to your users.

  • ✅ Frictionless user journey
  • ✅ Certified to PAS 1296:2018 standards
  • ✅ API or plug-and-play options
  • ✅ Affordable subscription model
  • ✅ One login across all participating 18+ sites

Whether you’re a content creator platform, ecommerce business, or adult service provider, 18Verified helps you stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly mistakes.

Take Action Today

Want to avoid fines, protect your users, and meet all upcoming legal requirements?

👉 Learn more about 18Verified
👉 Speak to our team

Tags: Online Safety Bill, UK internet law, age verification software, AADC, digital safety, child protection, PAS 1296, 18Verified, regulatory compliance, Online Harms Bill

How Weak Age Verification on OnlyFans Exposed Underage Content — And Why the Internet Is Changing

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A recent BBC investigation has uncovered serious flaws in the age verification system used by OnlyFans, revealing how underage users were able to upload and sell explicit content on the platform. This disturbing revelation highlights a growing issue: many online platforms still lack effective age verification safeguards.

As the UK prepares to enforce the Online Safety Bill, age verification will no longer be optional—it will be a legal requirement. In this article, we explore how stronger verification systems like 18Verified will shape the future of digital safety and protect young people from harmful content.

The Rise of OnlyFans — and Its Verification Failures

OnlyFans became a major player in the online content world during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among adult content creators and sex workers. The Essex-based platform lets creators earn money through paid subscriptions, offering exclusive content to fans.

However, its age verification methods have come under scrutiny. Several reports revealed that underage users—as young as 13—were able to bypass checks by using older relatives’ IDs. In one case, a 14-year-old girl used her grandmother’s passport and bank details to create an account, exploiting weak photo comparison technology.

This failure has not only harmed vulnerable users but has also drawn regulatory attention to platforms that fail to implement robust identity checks.

Why Age Verification Must Evolve

OnlyFans currently requires new users to upload a selfie holding a photo ID. But this manual method is easily exploited, especially when there’s no real-time, AI-driven validation or third-party database cross-check.

That’s where modern age verification technology comes in — using AI-powered facial estimation, ID matching, government database integration, and even mobile phone checks to provide frictionless and secure compliance.

The Online Safety Bill: A New Era of Compliance

The UK’s Online Safety Bill, now progressing through Parliament, will require all platforms that host user-generated content to:

  • Assess whether children are likely to access their site
  • Implement strong age verification measures
  • Be accountable to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator

Under this bill, platforms that fail to comply face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher. Criminal sanctions for senior staff are also being considered.

This bill follows the abandoned Digital Economy Act, and now fully repeals its unfinished age verification rules. The new law puts clear pressure on platforms to get it right—or face consequences.

Europe Leads the Way: The AVMSD Directive

The EU Audio-Visual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) sets a high bar. Since 2020, it has required video platforms across Europe to protect minors from harmful content and advertising.

Many member states have already faced penalties for failing to enforce these rules. This shows the seriousness of age verification on a continental scale—and why providers must act now to stay compliant globally.

What Effective Age Verification Looks Like

At 18Verified, we believe in frictionless compliance without compromising user privacy or site performance. Our solution includes:

  • ✅ Government ID checks
  • ✅ AI-powered age estimation
  • ✅ Mobile phone-based verification
  • ✅ Secure database cross-referencing
  • ✅ One-login access for users across all participating sites

Our technology is certified to PAS 1296:2018, the UK’s official code of practice for online age checking.

Unlike pay-per-verification providers, 18Verified offers a low-cost, subscription-based model, saving businesses thousands annually while keeping them compliant and competitive.

Brand Reputation & Legal Risk: Why Businesses Must Act

According to recent industry surveys, 81% of online content providers say brand protection is their top priority when upgrading age verification. With growing risks of public backlash, legal action, and media exposure, no platform can afford to cut corners.

Equally, regulators must enforce the rules fairly—whether you’re a small creator platform or a multi-billion-pound enterprise.

Digital Safeguarding: The Future of Online Responsibility

With younger generations spending more time online, digital safeguarding is no longer optional—it’s essential. Businesses in the adult industry, especially platforms like OnlyFans, must adopt future-proof age verification solutions or risk being left behind.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Platform?

At 18Verified, we make it easy for businesses to meet the requirements of the Online Safety Bill—and beyond.

  • ✅ Affordable subscription model
  • ✅ Plug-and-play or API options
  • ✅ Fully UK-compliant
  • ✅ One login for users across all 18+ websites

👉 Click here to learn more
👉 Speak to our team today

How 18Verified Works: The Most Cost-Effective Age Verification Solution for Businesses

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How 18Verified Works: The Most Cost-Effective Age Verification Solution for Businesses


With new age verification laws coming into force across the UK from July 25, 2025, businesses with 18+ content or products must implement a compliant age assurance system. While many companies are scrambling to integrate expensive pay-per-verification solutions, 18Verified offers an affordable, subscription-based alternative that protects both users and businesses. In this post, we explain exactly how 18Verified works and why it’s the most cost-effective solution for staying compliant.

Why Age Verification Matters More Than Ever

The UK’s Online Safety Act and enforcement by Ofcom mean that any business providing age-restricted services or content online must verify a user’s age using Highly Effective Age Assurance (HEAA) methods. This includes industries like adult content, gambling, vaping, CBD, alcohol, escorts, weapons, and more.

Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to £18 million or 10% of annual turnover, as well as domain blocks. For businesses, getting this right is not optional – it’s essential.

How 18Verified Works

18Verified is an age verification gateway designed to be simple, secure, and scalable. It works in three core steps:

1. User Verifies Once

Users choose between two HEAA-compliant methods to verify their age:

  • Credit Card Check: A quick, discreet way to confirm a user is 18+ without needing to upload personal documents. Only adults can own credit cards, making this a legally reliable method.

  • ID Upload: Users can also choose to upload a photo of a government-issued ID (e.g., passport or driving licence) for verification.

2. One Subscription = Unlimited Access

Once verified, users pay a simple £2/month subscription fee to maintain access. This gives them instant entry to any website that uses 18Verified – no need to re-upload ID or verify again.

For users, it’s fast, private, and hassle-free. For businesses, it shifts the cost of compliance away from the company and onto the user.

3. Business Integration

Businesses can integrate 18Verified using one of two affordable options:

  • Plug-and-Play (£300/year): Designed for quick and easy setup with no developer required. Ideal for smaller businesses or platforms looking for rapid deployment.

  • API Integration (£500/year): A more customisable solution for larger websites or apps wanting to embed verification directly into their platforms.

In both options, the business never handles or stores user documents or data – 18Verified manages the verification securely and privately.

Why 18Verified Is the Most Cost-Effective Option

Many age verification providers charge businesses on a pay-per-check model. This can quickly add up:

  • 100 checks/month at £1.50 = £1,800/year

  • 1,000 checks/month = £18,000/year

  • 5,000+ checks/month = £90,000+/year

With 18Verified, you pay a single low flat fee per year. Whether you have 100 users or 100,000, your cost stays the same. That means your business can grow without penalty.

Cost Comparison Example:

Verification Provider Model Estimated Cost (1,000 checks/month)
Yoti Pay-per-check (£1.44) £17,280/year
IDnow Pay-per-check (£2.00) £24,000/year
VerifyMy Pay-per-check (£1.25) £15,000/year
18Verified Flat-rate subscription £300–£500/year

Built for Privacy and Compliance

Unlike some providers who require facial recognition or store user data, 18Verified is fully GDPR-compliant and privacy-first. No facial scans. No unnecessary tracking. Verification is handled securely, and user data is never shared or sold.

That means your business meets all HEAA, Ofcom, and Online Safety Act requirements with minimal risk.

Perfect for All Age-Restricted Industries

18Verified is ideal for any business that needs to restrict access to under-18s:

  • Adult content websites

  • Escort directories

  • Live streaming & cam sites

  • Online vape retailers

  • CBD and cannabis e-commerce

  • Alcohol & tobacco sales

  • Gambling & lottery platforms

  • Knives, hunting gear, and weaponry shops

No matter the size of your business or traffic levels, you can use 18Verified to stay compliant without draining your budget.

How to Get Started

  1. Choose your integration: Plug-and-Play or API

  2. Sign up at: 18Verified.com

  3. Add our gateway to your website in minutes

  4. Inform your users that they must verify from July 25

Conclusion

As the new laws roll in, you don’t need to choose between compliance and cost. 18Verified delivers a fast, affordable, and privacy-preserving solution that protects your business while giving users a simple way to verify once and access many websites.

Don’t pay per check. Don’t scare away your users. Choose the smarter way to verify.

Visit 18Verified.com to get started today.

The 2025 Age Verification Laws: What You Need to Know and Who They Affect

Posted on by admin@18verified

The 2025 Age Verification Laws: What You Need to Know and Who They Affect

From July 25, 2025, the UK government will enforce new online age verification laws as part of its broader initiative to protect children from harmful online content. These regulations, guided by the Online Safety Act and enforced by Ofcom, require all websites that provide access to adult content or age-restricted goods and services to verify the age of their users using Highly Effective Age Assurance (HEAA) methods.

If your business operates in any industry where access is legally limited to those aged 18 or older, this law will directly impact your website and how it functions. In this blog, we’ll explore what the new laws entail, who needs to comply, and how your business can adapt quickly and cost-effectively.

What Are the New Age Verification Laws?

The new legislation mandates that any website offering content or products restricted to adults must implement robust age verification measures. These must be more than simple self-declarations (e.g., “I am over 18”) or date-of-birth popups. Instead, they must meet Ofcom’s HEAA standards, which typically involve methods such as ID document upload, credit card verification, or verified third-party services.

Ofcom will have the authority to fine or block websites that fail to comply. This law applies to both UK-based businesses and international websites that can be accessed by UK users.

What is Considered ‘Adult’ Content or Services?

Adult content or services include any products or materials that are legally restricted to users aged 18 and over. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Pornography and explicit adult content
  • Online escort and adult dating services
  • Gambling and betting websites
  • Vape and tobacco retailers
  • Alcohol sales platforms
  • CBD and cannabis-related products
  • Firearms, hunting gear, and knives
  • Live streaming or cam sites with adult performers

If your site offers any of these, you must have an effective age verification gateway in place by July 25, 2025.

Industries That Will Be Affected

1. Adult Entertainment & Pornography

All pornographic websites accessible from the UK will be legally required to verify users’ age. Failure to do so could result in domain blocks or major financial penalties.

2. Escort and Adult Services

Online directories, booking sites, or classified ads offering adult services must add age verification for both users and potentially advertisers.

3. Gambling & Betting Sites

The new law expands existing rules to cover all digital platforms offering betting services to UK residents.

4. Vape and Tobacco Retailers

Selling vaping products, tobacco, or e-cigarettes online? These require verification before users can access products or make purchases.

5. Alcohol Sales

Online alcohol vendors will need to integrate HEAA age checks before allowing product browsing or purchasing.

6. CBD and Cannabis-Based Products

Retailers promoting therapeutic or recreational CBD products must comply with age verification rules.

7. Weapons & Hunting Gear

Knives, firearms, crossbows, and other hunting gear are age-restricted and require robust online verification.

8. Live Streaming & Adult Content Creators

Platforms hosting live adult content must verify user age before granting access.

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

  • Fines of up to £18 million or 10% of annual global turnover
  • Blocking access to non-compliant websites in the UK
  • Public listing on non-compliant site registries

What Is HEAA (Highly Effective Age Assurance)?

  • Accurately determines if a user is 18+
  • High confidence level without excessive data collection
  • Privacy-preserving (minimal or no storage of sensitive data)

Common HEAA-compliant methods include:

  • Credit card checks (only adults can hold cards)
  • ID upload with biometric or liveness verification
  • Third-party verification providers like 18Verified

Why It Matters for Your Business

These laws represent a major change. Failing to act could mean being blocked in the UK or fined heavily. But compliance doesn’t need to be costly or complex.

Affordable Solutions Like 18Verified

18Verified offers a subscription-based age verification solution. Businesses pay a flat annual fee, while users subscribe for just £2/month and gain access across all participating websites.

Benefits include:

  • No repeat uploads or face scans for users
  • One login across all verified sites
  • Huge cost savings vs. pay-per-verification models

Next Steps for Businesses

  1. Audit your website for age-restricted content
  2. Choose a HEAA-compliant solution (like 18Verified)
  3. Implement by July 25, 2025
  4. Inform your users about the upcoming changes

Conclusion

The 2025 age verification laws are a mandatory step toward a safer digital future. Businesses must comply or risk penalties. With 18Verified, getting compliant is fast, secure, and cost-effective.

Protect your users. Protect your business. Visit 18Verified.com today.

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