The regulator described its suggestion on facial age estimation as utilizing AI to analyse a viewer’s options. That may possible require taking a selfie on a tool and importing it.
The watchdog stated its proposed steering additionally included picture identification matching, requiring a consumer to add a photograph ID corresponding to a passport or driving licence to show their age, and bank card checks.
One other suggestion was open banking, whereby customers can consent to their financial institution sharing data with on-line porn websites to verify they’re over 18.
The Institute of Financial Affairs, a free-market suppose tank, stated obligatory age verification threatened consumer privateness and would expose customers to breaches and abuse by rising the quantity of delicate knowledge held by third events.
The regulator stated weaker strategies corresponding to self-declaration of age, on-line fee strategies that don’t require an individual to be 18, and disclaimers or warnings, would not meet the requirements in its new steering.
Ofcom stated it expects to publish its closing steering in early 2025.
