Apple has rolled out a new update requiring millions of iPhone users in the UK to prove they are 18 or older before accessing certain services. This mandatory age verification aims to protect young people from harmful content and aligns with recent regulatory efforts led by Ofcom to enhance online safety.
To confirm their age, users need to either scan a valid ID or provide credit card details. Apple explains that for existing accounts, it will check if a payment method is already on file or use other eligible means to verify age. This initiative is among the first of its kind globally, designed to create a safer digital environment for children and families.
Ofcom praised the new measure as a significant step forward. A spokesperson called it “a real win for children and families” and noted that these protections complement the Online Safety Act, which enforces widespread age checks, blocks high-risk websites, and targets child abuse material online.
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However, the update has faced criticism from some users. On social media, individuals voiced frustration over the mandatory checks, with some expressing a desire for the option to bypass or cancel the age verification process.
Despite the mixed response, Apple’s move reflects a growing trend among tech companies to prioritize user safety, especially for minors, by implementing more stringent age assurance measures.