U.K. Lawmakers Push for Online Age Verification

LONDON — Internet retailers may soon face hefty fines or prison sentences if they fail to implement age verification procedures that will ensure their customers are of a legal age to purchase a wide variety of products and services.

The new bill, which would mandate online age verification in the U.K., is being sponsored by MP Margaret Moran, as the result of concern over children's access to adult materials that go beyond sexually explicit items to include knives and other weapons, alcohol, tobacco and more.

"My bill aims to ensure online retailers take their responsibilities more seriously," Moran said. "Children can now get hold of some very disturbing items, things they would never be able to buy if they walked into a shop. It has to stop."

Moran cited the story of a 14-year-old that had purchased a pre-paid card from a retail store, despite a requirement that they not be sold to anyone under 18. He then used that card to purchase knives, porn and vodka and to then place a bet with an online bookie.

"It is clear that currently there are inadequate checks put in place by a large number of online retailers and if they are going to continue to drag their heels over this issue then it is up to Parliament to ensure our children are better protected," Moran said.

It is unclear however, what sort of online age verification mechanism would have prevented the boy's online shopping activities — which were only enabled after he bought the pre-paid card from a brick-and-mortar outlet where the clerk was supposed to physically inspect the lad's ID.

Fueling legislator's concerns are recent surveys that revealed that more than 30 percent of boys aged 13-17 have purchased violent video games and adult DVDs online; while five percent of 14-year-olds have used the Internet to purchase alcohol.

"This is the first time a politician in Europe has called for online age and identity verification to be put on the statute books," Moran said.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay today with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Esperanza Goméz in Meta Account Deactivation Battle

On Friday, Colombia’s Constitutional Court ruled in favor of adult performer Esperanza Gómez in her legal battle against Meta over repeated suspensions of her Instagram account.

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Severe Sex Films Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Severe Sex Films has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

ChickPass Rebrands as 'ChickPass Cinematic Universe'

ChickPass has announced that it has rebranded its network of sites as ChickPass Cinematic Universe.

Brazilian Adult Industry Association ABIPEA Launches

Brazilian Association of the Adult Entertainment Industry and Professionals (ABIPEA) has officially launched its organization.

New Adult Social Media Platform 'Havven' Opens Beta Phase

Havven, a new adult social media platform, has opened its beta phase and will officially launch Oct. 5.

Show More