Reddit users in the United Kingdom will now be required to verify their age before accessing adult or sensitive content on the platform, in a move to comply with the UK’s Online Safety Act. The new requirement takes effect on July 14, with enforcement linked to legislation that becomes binding on July 25.

The platform’s age-checking process will be handled by Persona, an external verification provider, which offers users two options: upload a selfie or a photo of a government-issued ID. Reddit emphasized that it will not store or access the images. Instead, only the verification status and birthdate will be retained to avoid repeat submissions.

“Using Reddit has never required disclosing your real-world identity,” the company said. “These updates don’t change that.”

The change follows increased pressure from Ofcom, the UK’s digital regulator, which has stated that platforms hosting adult material must implement “robust” age assurance measures or face enforcement actions, including fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue.

Under the new rules, Reddit must block access to a range of content for users under 18. This includes:

• Sexually explicit material
• Content promoting self-harm, eating disorders, or suicide
• Hate speech and bullying
• Violent or graphic content
• Substance misuse and dangerous stunts
• Body-shaming and material promoting despair or hopelessness

The move places Reddit in line with other platforms such as Pornhub, whose parent company, Aylo, has pledged to comply with UK verification standards. However, many companies remain under review as Ofcom begins enforcing the Online Safety Act for the first time.

While Reddit’s rollout is currently limited to the UK, the company acknowledged that global expansion of age checks may be necessary as similar legislation advances in other jurisdictions. U.S. states such as Texas have already enacted comparable laws, upheld by the Supreme Court, requiring ID-based verification for adult websites.

Privacy advocates and digital rights groups remain cautious. While the new rules aim to shield minors, critics warn that collection of sensitive data could introduce new risks.

“Reddit is trying to thread the needle between compliance and user privacy,” said Scott Babwah Brennen, director at NYU’s Center on Technology Policy. “But kids will always look for ways around restrictions, and platforms must be transparent about how this data is used and stored.”

For now, Reddit maintains that birthdates and age verification statuses are not shared with advertisers or other users. Persona, the verification provider, has committed to deleting any uploaded identification images within seven days.

Ofcom hailed Reddit’s announcement as a positive development, but emphasized that compliance across all platforms is expected.

“This is just the first step,” said an Ofcom spokesperson. “Children will now be better protected from online material that’s not appropriate for them, while adults’ rights to access legal content are preserved.”

Failure to act, the agency warned, could result in site blocks, deplatforming, or other penalties under the new regime.