iPhone users in UK required to verify age or face restrictions
25/03/2026 | The Guardian
Millions of iPhone users in the UK will be required to verify they are over 18 to access various Apple services, following government pressure to increase online protection for children. The UK is understood to be the first European market to receive these new age controls.
Following a software update on Wednesday, adult users who fail to verify their age will face restrictions on web browsing and on downloading apps with an 18+ rating from the App Store, as well as communication safety checks designed to detect explicit content in messages and FaceTime video calls.
While app stores and operating systems are not currently covered by the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA), the communications regulator, Ofcom, has welcomed the move as a significant step for child safety.
Many digital services have already implemented similar verification processes in response to the Act's requirements for tougher online controls.
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