The fake IDs of the 21st century - including AI and false MOUSTACHES

"Some children opt for 'simple' approaches, including entering a different birthday, or uploading a photo of a parent's ID. Others use more sophisticated methods, such as submitting a video of another person's face, or using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Amazingly, this has proved effective for some youngsters."

"Since July 25, the Online Safety Act has required the operators of online platforms to prevent children from viewing 'harmful content'. That includes explicit content, like pornography, but also content that encourages self-harm or suicide, promotes dangerous challenges, shows serious violence, or incites hatred against people."

"The survey found that age checks are perceived by almost half (46 per cent) of children as easy to bypass. In focus groups, children demonstrated a range of ways to get around the checks. Entering a fake birthday was the most common method, used by 13 per cent of children."

A report by Internet Matters reveals that British children are employing various techniques to circumvent online age checks mandated by Ofcom since July 2025. Common methods include entering fake birthdays and uploading parental ID photos. More sophisticated tactics involve using videos of other people's faces or VPNs. Some children even resort to drawing facial hair to trick verification tools. The Online Safety Act requires platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful content, yet 46% of surveyed children find age checks easy to bypass.

Read at Mail Online