Introduction to Online Age Verification
A new online security law has been implemented, aiming to protect children from accessing harmful material. The law requires websites hosting adult content to verify the age of users by asking for identification, such as a selfie or ID, similar to how age is verified when purchasing alcohol in the real world.
How the System Works
The system is enforced by the media regulatory authority, Ofcom. All websites with adult content must now check the age of users, and those that do not comply could face fines or be blocked in the UK. Around 6,000 porn sites have started implementing age checks since the law came into effect.
Use of VPNs
Some users have turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a way to bypass age checks, citing concerns about sharing personal data. However, Tech Secretary Peter Kyle has announced that the government does not plan to ban VPNs. Instead, he emphasized that adults should support the age verification system to protect children.
Statistics on Online Content Consumption
According to Ofcom statistics, around 8% of children between the ages of 8 and 14 in the UK have visited an online porn page or app in a month. Additionally, 15% of 13- to 14-year-olds have accessed online porn in one month, with boys being more likely to access porn services than girls.
The Impact of the New Law
The new law is considered a significant step forward in online security, with Tech Secretary Peter Kyle calling it the "biggest advancement in safety since the invention of the internet." The law aims to create a safer online environment for children and parents, and adults are encouraged to support the age verification system to protect children from accessing harmful material.
Concerns and Controversies
There have been concerns raised about the effectiveness of the age verification system and the potential for VPNs to be used to bypass checks. However, the government has stated that it does not plan to ban VPNs, and instead, is focusing on educating adults about the importance of supporting the age verification system.
Key Statistics
- 8% of children between the ages of 8 and 14 in the UK have visited an online porn page or app in a month.
- 15% of 13- to 14-year-olds have accessed online porn in one month.
- 29% of adults in the UK use porn online.
- The average age at which children first see online pornography is 13.
- 79% of young people have seen violent pornography before the age of 18.
