The UK has become the first country to implement mandatory age checks for users attempting to access pornographic websites and content via digital platforms.
A variety of verification methods are being deployed, including face recognition scans, ID uploads and checks on credit records.
Social media sites including BlueSky and reddit are introducing checks to block under-18s from accessing content that is harmful to their age group.
However, critics argue that whilst the initiative is well-intentioned, the measures will not stop minors from gaining access and could hamper the free-flow of information for adults.
They add that mandatory age checks are a chill on online speech and could result in a snowball of surveillance and data gathering.
Proponents argue this can be minimised through authentication tokens and a strict application of data minimisation.
