00:01Offcom has recommended ways social media companies could check whether users are over 16, as the
00:06government considers a ban on under-16s using 10 platforms. The proposed ban is planned
00:11for spring 2027, but the details need government approval. Options include checking photo ID
00:17against an image, using age information held by banks, estimating age from a person's
00:22face, or using digital identity services. Offcom says checks must protect privacy and
00:28data, while responsibility for putting them in place would rest with social media companies.
00:34Some firms want checks handled through app stores, but Offcom says platforms would need
00:39to do the checks themselves as well.
