Implementation of the UK Online Safety Act

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United Kingdom's Online Safety Act 2023 is a law that aims to protect users from illegal and harmful content, while contributing to a more age-appropriate experience.[1]

Background

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Websites affected

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YouTube

Main article: Youtubes Requirement for Government ID

On July 30, 2025, YouTube responded by announcing its verification system, requesting users for either a government-issued ID, a photo, or credit card, in order to show that users are 18 and older. Age will be estimated through various information, including videos watched, and would lock users flagged below 18 unless they send one of aforementioned proofs.[2]

UK Government Responses

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Consumer response

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United Kingdom saw an increased VPN usage by 1400 percent.[3] As of August 16, 2025, there has been at least 500 thousand signatures petitioning to repeal the act.[4]

References

  1. "Online Safety Act: explainer". Gov.uk. April 24, 2025.
  2. Ingram, Michael (30 Jul 2025). "YouTube is Rolling Out A New Controversial Feature". GameRant. Retrieved 14 Aug 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. Speed, Richard (July 28, 2025). "UK VPN demand soars after debut of Online Safety Act". The Register. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  4. Baynham, Alex. "Repeal the Online Safety Act".


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