Reddit enforces ID verification for UK users

New rules mandate ID verification for UK users to protect minors.

Reddit requires age verification in the UK for user safety

Reddit users in the United Kingdom must now verify their age to access content that may be harmful to children. This change follows the U.K.'s Online Safety Act, which aims to restrict minors from encountering inappropriate content, such as pornography and material related to self-harm. Users will submit a photo of an identity document or a selfie via a service called Persona for verification. Reddit states it won’t retain images, only the verification status and date of birth. Content hidden from under-18 users includes explicit material, posts encouraging suicide, and hateful content based on various identities. Concerns exist about the risks of identity document collection by private companies. Similarly, Bluesky is implementing age verification in the UK following these updates.

This move by Reddit highlights the balancing act between child protection and user privacy. While the intent is to shield minors from harmful content, critics argue that the collection of personal identity documents poses significant privacy risks. The implementation of such measures could set a precedent, forcing other platforms to adopt similar approaches. However, it raises an important question about where the line between safeguarding and surveillance lies. As users become increasingly wary of data collection, companies must stand strong on their commitment to privacy and security to maintain trust.

Highlights

The landscape of online safety is changing; platforms must prioritize both protection and privacy.