{"generated":"2026-09-06","source":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/methodology/","licence":"Facts quoted from published sources, compiled by UK Age Check Index. Cite the source_url and last_verified on each row; not legal advice.","services":[{"id":"apple-device","name":"Apple devices (iOS 26.4 UK age check)","aliases":[],"domain":"apple.com","operator":"Apple Inc.","category":"app_store","summary":"Device-level age confirmation for UK users since 25 March 2026: web content filter and communication safety stay on until age is confirmed by credit card, account information or ID scan.","gate":{"status":"gated","trigger":["whole_service"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2026-03-25","notes":"Ofcom welcomed it; AVPA disputes it meets highly-effective age assurance."},"methods":[{"method":"credit_card","vendor_id":"apple","vendor_name":"Apple","source_url":"https://gizmodo.com/apple-requires-device-level-age-verification-in-the-uk-now-could-the-us-be-next-2000738481","source_date":"2026-03-26","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"Credit only."},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"apple","vendor_name":"Apple","source_url":"https://gizmodo.com/apple-requires-device-level-age-verification-in-the-uk-now-could-the-us-be-next-2000738481","source_date":"2026-03-26","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"Press quoting Apple: \"Your credit card or ID document aren't stored unless you choose to save them\"."}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Safari content filter and communication safety are on by default until you confirm age in Settings.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Filters stay on.","official_help_url":null},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://gizmodo.com/apple-requires-device-level-age-verification-in-the-uk-now-could-the-us-be-next-2000738481","title":"Gizmodo","type":"press","date":"2026-03-26"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://gizmodo.com/apple-requires-device-level-age-verification-in-the-uk-now-could-the-us-be-next-2000738481","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Apple support page with the primary wording"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/apple-device/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/apple-device/feed.xml"},{"id":"bluesky","name":"Bluesky","aliases":[],"domain":"bsky.app","operator":"Bluesky Social PBC","category":"social","summary":"Adult content and DMs need a check in the UK since 10 July 2025, via Epic Kids Web Services (credit card, ID, or Yoti facial estimation).","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content","messaging"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07-10","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"credit_card","vendor_id":"epic-kws","vendor_name":"Epic Kids Web Services","source_url":"https://bsky.social/about/blog/07-10-2025-age-assurance","source_date":"2025-07-10","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":"Bluesky post gives no retention line; defers to KWS FAQ."},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"epic-kws","vendor_name":"Epic Kids Web Services","source_url":"https://bsky.social/about/blog/07-10-2025-age-assurance","source_date":"2025-07-10","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"epic-kws","vendor_name":"Epic Kids Web Services (Yoti)","source_url":"https://www.biometricupdate.com/202507/epic-games-provides-yoti-facial-age-estimation-to-bluesky","source_date":"2025-07","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"Yoti estimation inside KWS."}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Adult content and direct messages are switched off until you complete a KWS check.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"You keep browsing without adult content or DMs.","official_help_url":"https://bsky.social/about/blog/07-10-2025-age-assurance"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://bsky.social/about/blog/07-10-2025-age-assurance","title":"Bluesky blog","type":"service_policy","date":"2025-07-10"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://bsky.social/about/blog/07-10-2025-age-assurance","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["KWS retention line for the Bluesky deployment"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/bluesky/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/bluesky/feed.xml"},{"id":"chatgpt","name":"ChatGPT (OpenAI)","aliases":[],"domain":"chatgpt.com","operator":"OpenAI","category":"ai_chat","summary":"Age prediction from behaviour, then a Persona selfie or ID check for flagged accounts and adult mode. EU rollout January and August 2026; UK date not stated.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["age_signal_only","specific_features"],"applies_to":["flagged_accounts"],"first_observed":"2026-01-21","notes":"OpenAI help page returned 403."},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"persona","vendor_name":"Persona","source_url":"https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12652064-age-prediction-in-chatgpt","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"Indexed help text: Persona \"deletes your uploaded ID or selfie within 7 days\"; OpenAI receives DOB or age only."},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"persona","vendor_name":"Persona","source_url":"https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12652064-age-prediction-in-chatgpt","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"If ChatGPT predicts you are under 18, some features are limited until you verify with Persona.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Limits stay on.","official_help_url":"https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12652064-age-prediction-in-chatgpt"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/openai-chatgpt-age-prediction-eu-globally-persona","title":"Silicon Republic","type":"press","date":"2026"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/openai-chatgpt-age-prediction-eu-globally-persona","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["UK rollout status","Read the help page in a browser for the primary quote"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/chatgpt/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/chatgpt/feed.xml"},{"id":"discord","name":"Discord","aliases":[],"domain":"discord.com","operator":"Discord Inc.","category":"messaging","summary":"Age-restricted channels and some safety settings need a check in the UK. On-device facial estimation via k-ID; ID documents via Veratad. Persona was trialled in January 2026 and dropped on 24 February 2026.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content","specific_features"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07","notes":"Global rollout delayed to H2 2026 after the Persona backlash."},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"k-id","vendor_name":"k-ID","retention":{"quote":"k-ID does NOT store the information that you provide to prove your age. All we store is the result of the verification process.","who_holds":"vendor","period":"On-device; images never uploaded","source_url":"https://k-id.com/privacy-policy","source_date":"2026-07-10"},"source_url":"https://discord.com/blog/getting-global-age-assurance-right-what-we-got-wrong-and-whats-changing","source_date":"2026-02-24","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":"Discord states the selfie is processed on the device."},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"veratad","vendor_name":"Veratad","source_url":"https://alternativeto.net/news/2026/2/discord-ends-persona-partnership-after-backlash-over-age-verification-and-palantir-ties","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"ID images and match selfies \"are deleted once an age group is confirmed\" per press quoting Discord; Discord UK help page returned 403."}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Trying to open an age-restricted channel prompts a face scan on your device or an ID upload.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Age-restricted channels stay locked.","official_help_url":"https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://discord.com/blog/getting-global-age-assurance-right-what-we-got-wrong-and-whats-changing","title":"Discord blog 24 Feb 2026","type":"service_policy","date":"2026-02-24"},{"url":"https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/discord-voluntarily-pushes-mandatory-age-verification-despite-recent-data-breach","title":"EFF","type":"press","date":"2026-02"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://discord.com/blog/getting-global-age-assurance-right-what-we-got-wrong-and-whats-changing","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Discord UK help article returned 403; confirm ID-route retention wording","October 2025 support-vendor breach (~70k IDs via 5CA/Zendesk) is a separate incident, not the age-check vendor"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/discord/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/discord/feed.xml"},{"id":"grindr","name":"Grindr","aliases":[],"domain":"grindr.com","operator":"Grindr LLC","category":"dating","summary":"Whole service gated in the UK since 25 July 2025: video selfie, or selfie plus ID, with FaceTec liveness. Grindr says it controls the data and deletes documents and videos after the check.","gate":{"status":"gated","trigger":["whole_service"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07-25","notes":"Help article updated 31 August 2026."},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Grindr in-house with FaceTec liveness","retention":{"quote":"permanently deleted once age assurance is complete. Grindr will not retain the documents or videos you provide.","who_holds":"service","period":"after check; keeps method and pass/fail","source_url":"https://www.grindr.com/blog/age-assurance-in-the-uk","source_date":"2026-08-31"},"source_url":"https://www.grindr.com/blog/age-assurance-in-the-uk","source_date":"2026-08-31","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Grindr in-house","source_url":"https://www.grindr.com/blog/age-assurance-in-the-uk","source_date":"2026-08-31","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"You cannot use the app until you complete a video selfie or selfie plus ID.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"No access.","official_help_url":"https://www.grindr.com/blog/age-assurance-in-the-uk"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.grindr.com/blog/age-assurance-in-the-uk","title":"Grindr blog","type":"service_policy","date":"2026-08-31"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.grindr.com/blog/age-assurance-in-the-uk","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":[],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/grindr/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/grindr/feed.xml"},{"id":"kick-streaming","name":"Kick (streaming)","aliases":[],"domain":"kick.com","operator":"Kick Streaming Pty Ltd","category":"video","summary":"Mature content gated via k-ID on-device face scan or ID. Not to be confused with Kick Online Entertainment S.A., the motherless.com operator fined by Ofcom.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":null,"notes":"Help page returned 403; facts from search-indexed text."},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"k-id","vendor_name":"k-ID","source_url":"https://help.kick.com/en/articles/12947994-age-assurance-faqs","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"Indexed text: \"deleted once the process is complete… facial data is processed locally\"."},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"k-id","vendor_name":"k-ID","source_url":"https://help.kick.com/en/articles/12947994-age-assurance-faqs","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":null,"how_long":null,"can_you_decline":null,"official_help_url":"https://help.kick.com/en/articles/12947994-age-assurance-faqs"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://help.kick.com/en/articles/12947994-age-assurance-faqs","title":"Kick age assurance FAQ (403 on fetch)","type":"service_help","date":null}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://help.kick.com/en/articles/12947994-age-assurance-faqs","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Read the help page in a browser; confirm date and retention wording"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/kick-streaming/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/kick-streaming/feed.xml"},{"id":"onlyfans","name":"OnlyFans","aliases":[],"domain":"onlyfans.com","operator":"Fenix International Ltd","category":"adult","summary":"Whole service gated. Creators verified by ID plus biometric match via Ondato; fans by facial estimation (Yoti reported). Ofcom fined the provider £1.05m on 27 March 2025 for misreporting the challenge age.","gate":{"status":"gated","trigger":["whole_service"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"ondato","vendor_name":"Ondato","source_url":"https://ondato.com/case-studies/onlyfans-case-study/","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":"Case study gives no retention period."},{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti (reported)","source_url":"https://oursaferschools.co.uk/2025/08/19/what-is-yoti","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[{"regulator":"Ofcom","action":"fine","date":"2025-03-27","amount_gbp":1050000,"summary":"Provider misreported the facial-estimation challenge age (20 vs 23) to Ofcom.","source_url":"https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/ofcom-fines-provider-of-onlyfans-1.05-million"}],"user_facing":{"what_happens":null,"how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"No access.","official_help_url":null},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/ofcom-fines-provider-of-onlyfans-1.05-million","title":"Ofcom fine","type":"ofcom","date":"2025-03-27"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/ofcom-fines-provider-of-onlyfans-1.05-million","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Fan-side method and retention from OnlyFans' own page"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/onlyfans/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/onlyfans/feed.xml"},{"id":"playstation","name":"PlayStation","aliases":[],"domain":"playstation.com","operator":"Sony Interactive Entertainment","category":"gaming","summary":"Adult accounts in the UK and Ireland must verify age for chat, parties and broadcasting; mandatory since June 2026. Mobile contract check, facial estimation or ID via Yoti.","gate":{"status":"gated","trigger":["messaging","specific_features"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2026-04","notes":"FAQ updated 1 June 2026."},"methods":[{"method":"mobile_operator","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","source_url":"https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/account/age-verification-faq/","source_date":"2026-06-01","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":"Mobile contract check."},{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","retention":{"quote":"Yoti deletes your facial geometry data as soon as your verification is complete. PlayStation never collects, stores, or otherwise processes your facial geometry data.","who_holds":"vendor","period":"immediately","source_url":"https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/account/age-verification-faq/","source_date":"2026-06-01"},"source_url":"https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/account/age-verification-faq/","source_date":"2026-06-01","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","source_url":"https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/account/age-verification-faq/","source_date":"2026-06-01","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Chat, parties and broadcasting are blocked for adult accounts until verified.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Those features stay off.","official_help_url":"https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/account/age-verification-faq/"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/account/age-verification-faq/","title":"PlayStation age verification FAQ","type":"service_help","date":"2026-06-01"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/account/age-verification-faq/","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":[],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/playstation/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/playstation/feed.xml"},{"id":"aylo-pornhub","name":"Pornhub, YouPorn, RedTube (Aylo)","aliases":[],"domain":"pornhub.com","operator":"Aylo","category":"adult","summary":"Whole service gated from 24 July 2025 with email estimation, credit card, mobile operator, open banking and Google Wallet. New UK users blocked from 2 February 2026 except via Apple device check on iOS from 5 May 2026.","gate":{"status":"gated","trigger":["whole_service"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07-24","notes":"Named in Ofcom's July 2026 report; visits fell sharply after July 2025. No links to adult content on the page: domain names only."},"methods":[{"method":"email_estimation","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Aylo in-house and third parties","retention":{"quote":"UK users who have verified their age will retain access through their existing accounts.","who_holds":"service","period":"not stated","source_url":"https://www.aylo.com/newsroom/aylo-upgrades-age-assurance-methods-in-united-kingdom/","source_date":null},"source_url":"https://www.aylo.com/newsroom/aylo-upgrades-age-assurance-methods-in-united-kingdom/","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"credit_card","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Aylo","source_url":"https://www.aylo.com/newsroom/aylo-upgrades-age-assurance-methods-in-united-kingdom/","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"mobile_operator","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Aylo","source_url":"https://www.aylo.com/newsroom/aylo-upgrades-age-assurance-methods-in-united-kingdom/","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"open_banking","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Aylo","source_url":"https://www.aylo.com/newsroom/aylo-upgrades-age-assurance-methods-in-united-kingdom/","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"other","vendor_id":"apple","vendor_name":"Apple device check (iOS only)","source_url":"https://www.biometricupdate.com/202605/pornhub-returns-to-uk-but-only-for-ios-users","source_date":"2026-05-08","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"iOS-only return, 5 May 2026"}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"New UK visitors are blocked on non-Apple devices; existing verified accounts keep access.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"No access.","official_help_url":null},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.aylo.com/newsroom/aylo-upgrades-age-assurance-methods-in-united-kingdom/","title":"Aylo newsroom","type":"service_policy","date":null},{"url":"https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/02/uk/uk-pornography-restricted-access-intl","title":"CNN","type":"press","date":"2026-02-02"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.aylo.com/newsroom/aylo-upgrades-age-assurance-methods-in-united-kingdom/","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Per-method retention statement"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/aylo-pornhub/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/aylo-pornhub/feed.xml"},{"id":"reddit","name":"Reddit","aliases":[],"domain":"reddit.com","operator":"Reddit, Inc.","category":"social","summary":"Age check required to view mature communities in the UK since 14 July 2025, via Persona selfie estimation or photo ID.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07-14","notes":"Prompted when opening an NSFW community. Apple-account path on iOS reported April 2026 with a verification loop."},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"persona","vendor_name":"Persona","retention":{"quote":"Persona deletes all of your personal information including any images within 3 days.","who_holds":"vendor","period":"3 days (Persona help, 2026); July 2025 press reported 7 days","source_url":"https://help.withpersona.com/articles/7F6BaF9h8Fxf0XWkwQscXN/","source_date":null},"source_url":"https://help.withpersona.com/articles/7F6BaF9h8Fxf0XWkwQscXN/","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":"Reddit receives only the estimated age."},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"persona","vendor_name":"Persona","retention":{"quote":"Persona deletes all of your personal information including any images within 3 days.","who_holds":"vendor","period":"3 days","source_url":"https://help.withpersona.com/articles/7F6BaF9h8Fxf0XWkwQscXN/","source_date":null},"source_url":"https://help.withpersona.com/articles/7F6BaF9h8Fxf0XWkwQscXN/","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":"Reddit receives date of birth from the ID."}],"enforcement":[{"regulator":"ICO","action":"fine","date":"2026-02-24","amount_gbp":14470000,"summary":"No lawful basis for under-13 data, no DPIA before Jan 2025, self-declaration only until July 2025.","source_url":"https://www.biometricupdate.com/202602/ico-hits-reddit-with-14-5m-fine-for-not-implementing-robust-age-assurance"}],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Opening a mature community prompts a Persona flow: take a selfie for age estimation, or upload a photo ID.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Mature communities stay hidden; the rest of Reddit works.","official_help_url":"https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/38028052452628"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://help.withpersona.com/articles/7F6BaF9h8Fxf0XWkwQscXN/","title":"Persona help: Reddit","type":"vendor_page","date":null},{"url":"https://www.biometricupdate.com/202507/reddit-deploys-selfie-and-document-age-verification-from-persona","title":"Biometric Update","type":"press","date":"2025-07-15"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://help.withpersona.com/articles/7F6BaF9h8Fxf0XWkwQscXN/","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Reddit help page returned 403; confirm current retention wording on Reddit's own page","Record both the 3-day and 7-day figures with dates"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/reddit/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/reddit/feed.xml"},{"id":"roblox","name":"Roblox","aliases":[],"domain":"roblox.com","operator":"Roblox Corporation","category":"gaming","summary":"Age check required globally to use chat since 7 January 2026, via Persona facial estimation or ID.","gate":{"status":"gated","trigger":["messaging"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2026-01-07","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"persona","vendor_name":"Persona","retention":{"quote":"Images and video used for Facial Age Estimation are deleted immediately after they've been securely processed.","who_holds":"both","period":"immediately (Roblox statement); Persona reported to delete biometric data within 30 days for Roblox","source_url":"https://about.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat","source_date":"2026-01-07"},"source_url":"https://about.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat","source_date":"2026-01-07","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"persona","vendor_name":"Persona","source_url":"https://about.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat","source_date":"2026-01-07","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[{"regulator":"Ofcom","action":"statement","date":"2026-03-12","amount_gbp":null,"summary":"Ofcom and ICO letters requiring stronger age checks.","source_url":"https://www.lewissilkin.com/insights/2026/03/12"}],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Chat is unavailable until an age check is completed.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"No chat.","official_help_url":"https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/42152315498516"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://about.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat","title":"Roblox newsroom","type":"service_policy","date":"2026-01-07"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://about.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Reconcile \"immediately\" (Roblox) with \"within 30 days\" (Persona per Roblox help)"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/roblox/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/roblox/feed.xml"},{"id":"snapchat","name":"Snapchat","aliases":[],"domain":"snapchat.com","operator":"Snap Inc.","category":"social","summary":"No active age check for UK users; in-house inference and teen protections only. Received the Ofcom and ICO letter of 12 March 2026 and is named in the under-16 ban.","gate":{"status":"not_gated","trigger":["age_signal_only"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":null,"notes":""},"methods":[],"enforcement":[{"regulator":"Ofcom","action":"statement","date":"2026-03-12","amount_gbp":null,"summary":"Ofcom and ICO letters requiring stronger age checks, report due 30 April 2026.","source_url":"https://www.lewissilkin.com/insights/2026/03/12"}],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"No prompt.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":null,"official_help_url":"https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/43913055986836"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/43913055986836","title":"Snap OSA FAQ","type":"service_help","date":null}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/43913055986836","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Any change after the 30 April 2026 report to Ofcom"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/snapchat/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/snapchat/feed.xml"},{"id":"spotify","name":"Spotify","aliases":[],"domain":"spotify.com","operator":"Spotify AB","category":"music","summary":"18+ music videos and mature podcasts need a Yoti check (facial estimation or ID) in the UK since late July 2025.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","retention":{"quote":"After the age assurance process is complete, Yoti will delete all the user's data.","who_holds":"vendor","period":"after check","source_url":"https://www.spotify.com/uk/safetyandprivacy/age-assurance","source_date":null},"source_url":"https://www.spotify.com/uk/safetyandprivacy/age-assurance","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","source_url":"https://www.spotify.com/uk/safetyandprivacy/age-assurance","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"18+ videos and flagged podcasts prompt a Yoti check.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"That content stays blocked; music plays normally.","official_help_url":"https://www.spotify.com/uk/safetyandprivacy/age-assurance"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.spotify.com/uk/safetyandprivacy/age-assurance","title":"Spotify UK age assurance","type":"service_policy","date":null}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.spotify.com/uk/safetyandprivacy/age-assurance","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":[],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/spotify/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/spotify/feed.xml"},{"id":"steam","name":"Steam","aliases":[],"domain":"store.steampowered.com","operator":"Valve Corporation","category":"gaming","summary":"Mature store pages and community hubs need a credit card on the account (debit not accepted) since 29 August 2025. In-house, PCI-DSS.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-08-29","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"credit_card","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Valve (in-house)","source_url":"https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/you-now-need-a-credit-card-to-access-mature-content-on-steam-in-the-uk","source_date":"2025-08-29","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"Press quoting Valve: \"Your UK Steam user account is considered age verified for as long as a valid credit card is stored on the account.\""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Mature store pages are hidden unless a credit card is stored on the account.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Mature pages stay hidden.","official_help_url":null},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/you-now-need-a-credit-card-to-access-mature-content-on-steam-in-the-uk","title":"Game Developer","type":"press","date":"2025-08-29"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/you-now-need-a-credit-card-to-access-mature-content-on-steam-in-the-uk","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Find Valve's own support page for the primary quote"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/steam/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/steam/feed.xml"},{"id":"telegram","name":"Telegram","aliases":[],"domain":"telegram.org","operator":"Telegram FZ-LLC","category":"messaging","summary":"Sensitive-content toggle needs an on-device face scan through Telegram's official age-verification bot, UK only, since 28 July 2025.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07-28","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Telegram in-house (official bot)","source_url":"https://durovscode.com/telegram-introduces-official-age-verification-bot","source_date":"2025-07-28","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"Press: \"No images or data leave your device or reach our servers.\" A VPN-blog claim that Telegram stores the result plus metadata was not found on a Telegram page."}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Turning on sensitive content prompts a face scan via the bot.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Sensitive content stays off.","official_help_url":null},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://durovscode.com/telegram-introduces-official-age-verification-bot","title":"Durov's Code","type":"press","date":"2025-07-28"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://durovscode.com/telegram-introduces-official-age-verification-bot","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Primary Telegram statement"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/telegram/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/telegram/feed.xml"},{"id":"tiktok","name":"TikTok","aliases":[],"domain":"tiktok.com","operator":"TikTok Information Technologies UK Ltd","category":"social","summary":"No active age gate for UK users; relies on in-house age inference. Ofcom opened a section 12 investigation into that system on 16 July 2026.","gate":{"status":"not_gated","trigger":["age_signal_only"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":null,"notes":"Ofcom's July 2026 report says passive inference must be replaced or supplemented \"without delay\"."},"methods":[],"enforcement":[{"regulator":"Ofcom","action":"investigation_opened","date":"2026-07-16","amount_gbp":null,"summary":"Section 12 investigation into compliance with duties to protect children, focused on the age-inference system; first update expected October 2026.","source_url":"https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/investigation-into-tiktoks-compliance-with-duties-to-protect-children-from-encountering-harmful-content-under-section-12"},{"regulator":"Ofcom","action":"statement","date":"2026-03-12","amount_gbp":null,"summary":"Ofcom and ICO letters requiring stronger age checks, report due 30 April 2026.","source_url":"https://www.lewissilkin.com/insights/2026/03/12"}],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"No prompt. TikTok estimates age from account behaviour.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":null,"official_help_url":null},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/investigation-into-tiktoks-compliance-with-duties-to-protect-children-from-encountering-harmful-content-under-section-12","title":"Ofcom investigation","type":"ofcom","date":"2026-07-16"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/investigation-into-tiktoks-compliance-with-duties-to-protect-children-from-encountering-harmful-content-under-section-12","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Investigation opening date confirmed only via secondary reporting"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/tiktok/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/tiktok/feed.xml"},{"id":"tinder","name":"Tinder and Hinge (Match Group)","aliases":[],"domain":"tinder.com","operator":"Match Group","category":"dating","summary":"Whole service gated for UK users: facial estimation with FaceTec liveness using Match's in-house model. Match states photos are kept up to three months, then a hashed photo and result for one year; Hinge audit images may train models.","gate":{"status":"gated","trigger":["whole_service"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07-25","notes":"Hinge added the flow 5 February 2026."},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"Match Group in-house; FaceTec liveness","source_url":"https://www.biometricupdate.com/202602/match-group-extends-facetec-liveness-to-hinge-adds-age-verification-for-uk-oz-users","source_date":"2026-02","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"Press quoting Match/Hinge UK terms: \"your photo will be kept for up to three months… Thereafter, your hashed age check photo and age assurance results are kept for one year.\""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"A face scan with liveness is required to use the app.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"No access.","official_help_url":null},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://www.biometricupdate.com/202602/match-group-extends-facetec-liveness-to-hinge-adds-age-verification-for-uk-oz-users","title":"Biometric Update","type":"press","date":"2026-02"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://www.biometricupdate.com/202602/match-group-extends-facetec-liveness-to-hinge-adds-age-verification-for-uk-oz-users","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Locate Match/Hinge UK terms page for the primary retention quote"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/tinder/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/tinder/feed.xml"},{"id":"tumblr","name":"Tumblr","aliases":[],"domain":"tumblr.com","operator":"Automattic Inc.","category":"social","summary":"Mature-labelled content gated in the UK since 6 May 2026 via k-ID: ID, on-device face scan, bank (ConnectID) or AgeKey.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2026-05-06","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"k-id","vendor_name":"k-ID","retention":{"quote":"Facial scan data never leaves your device.","who_holds":"vendor","period":"on-device","source_url":"https://changes.tumblr.com/post/815889531565916160","source_date":"2026-05-06"},"source_url":"https://changes.tumblr.com/post/815889531565916160","source_date":"2026-05-06","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"k-id","vendor_name":"k-ID","retention":{"quote":"Tumblr won't have access to the information you submit, just the final age-verification result; Documents are deleted after confirmation","who_holds":"vendor","period":"after confirmation","source_url":"https://changes.tumblr.com/post/815889531565916160","source_date":"2026-05-06"},"source_url":"https://changes.tumblr.com/post/815889531565916160","source_date":"2026-05-06","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"open_banking","vendor_id":"k-id","vendor_name":"k-ID (ConnectID)","source_url":"https://changes.tumblr.com/post/815889531565916160","source_date":"2026-05-06","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Mature-labelled posts are hidden until you complete a k-ID check.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Mature content stays hidden.","official_help_url":"https://changes.tumblr.com/post/815889531565916160"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://changes.tumblr.com/post/815889531565916160","title":"Tumblr changes post","type":"service_policy","date":"2026-05-06"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://changes.tumblr.com/post/815889531565916160","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":[],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/tumblr/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/tumblr/feed.xml"},{"id":"twitch","name":"Twitch","aliases":[],"domain":"twitch.tv","operator":"Twitch Interactive (Amazon)","category":"video","summary":"Streams with mature content labels need an on-device face scan via k-ID; optional from 16 September 2025, mandatory from 13 November 2025.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-09-16","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"k-id","vendor_name":"k-ID","retention":{"quote":"Twitch and k-ID do not store your face scan video selfies. The video selfie is analyzed entirely on your device and will never leave it.","who_holds":"vendor","period":"on-device","source_url":"https://k-id.com/news-posts/twitch","source_date":"2025-09"},"source_url":"https://k-id.com/news-posts/twitch","source_date":"2025-09","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Opening a labelled stream prompts a short face-scan video on your device.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Labelled streams stay blocked.","official_help_url":null},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://k-id.com/news-posts/twitch","title":"k-ID: Twitch","type":"vendor_page","date":"2025-09"},{"url":"https://esports-news.co.uk/2025/11/14/twitch-mandatory-face-scan-age-verification-launches-in-uk/","title":"Esports News UK","type":"press","date":"2025-11-14"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://k-id.com/news-posts/twitch","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Whether an ID alternative exists for users the scan cannot estimate"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/twitch/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/twitch/feed.xml"},{"id":"wikipedia","name":"Wikipedia","aliases":[],"domain":"wikipedia.org","operator":"Wikimedia Foundation","category":"other","summary":"No age gating. Wikimedia's challenge to the categorisation regulations was dismissed 11 August 2025; Category 1 decision pending.","gate":{"status":"not_gated","trigger":["none"],"applies_to":[],"first_observed":null,"notes":""},"methods":[],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"No prompt.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":null,"official_help_url":"https://wikimedia.org.uk/2026/01/wikimedia-uk-and-the-online-safety-act/"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://wikimedia.org.uk/2026/01/wikimedia-uk-and-the-online-safety-act/","title":"Wikimedia UK","type":"service_policy","date":"2026-01"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://wikimedia.org.uk/2026/01/wikimedia-uk-and-the-online-safety-act/","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":[],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/wikipedia/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/wikipedia/feed.xml"},{"id":"x-twitter","name":"X (Twitter) and Grok","aliases":[],"domain":"x.com","operator":"X Corp.","category":"social","summary":"Sensitive media is gated in the UK since 25 July 2025. Methods include facial estimation, photo ID, email estimation and network inference; manual checks reported as Premium-only. Ofcom investigation into X and Grok open since 12 January 2026.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["adult_content"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07-25","notes":"Grok \"spicy\" imagery is gated through the same X age assurance."},"methods":[{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"persona","vendor_name":"Persona","source_url":"https://ppc.land/x-implements-age-verification-system-behind-premium-paywall/","source_date":"2025-07-26","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"X help page (age-assurance) returned 403; press quotes: \"Au10tix and Persona delete images of IDs, selfies and extracted data after 30 days.\""},{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"persona","vendor_name":"Persona","source_url":"https://ppc.land/x-implements-age-verification-system-behind-premium-paywall/","source_date":"2025-07-26","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":"As above; Stripe also named; Au10tix reported delisted."},{"method":"email_estimation","vendor_id":null,"vendor_name":"not named","source_url":"https://ppc.land/x-implements-age-verification-system-behind-premium-paywall/","source_date":"2025-07-26","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"secondary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[{"regulator":"Ofcom","action":"investigation_opened","date":"2026-01-12","amount_gbp":null,"summary":"Investigation into X over Grok sexualised imagery, including highly effective age assurance.","source_url":"https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/illegal-and-harmful-content/ofcom-launches-investigation-into-x-over-grok-sexualised-imagery"}],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Sensitive media is hidden until age is confirmed; X may infer age from the account first.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Sensitive media stays hidden.","official_help_url":"https://help.x.com/en/rules-and-policies/age-assurance"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://ppc.land/x-implements-age-verification-system-behind-premium-paywall/","title":"ppc.land","type":"press","date":"2025-07-26"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://ppc.land/x-implements-age-verification-system-behind-premium-paywall/","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["All method and retention facts are from press; X help page returned 403","Whether manual verification is still Premium-only"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/x-twitter/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/x-twitter/feed.xml"},{"id":"xbox","name":"Xbox","aliases":[],"domain":"xbox.com","operator":"Microsoft Corporation","category":"gaming","summary":"UK users must verify age to keep voice and text chat, invites, LFG and clubs. Optional from 28 July 2025, mandatory \"early 2026\". Methods via Yoti: ID, facial estimation, mobile operator, credit card.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["messaging","specific_features"],"applies_to":["all_uk_users"],"first_observed":"2025-07-28","notes":"A \"9 Sep 2026\" hard deadline appears only on a low-quality aggregator; Xbox Wire says early 2026."},"methods":[{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","retention":{"quote":"The information players provide is protected with industry-standard encryption and is not stored or used for any other purpose.","who_holds":"service","period":"not stored","source_url":"https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/28/xbox-age-verification-uk/","source_date":"2025-07-28"},"source_url":"https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/28/xbox-age-verification-uk/","source_date":"2025-07-28","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","source_url":"https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/28/xbox-age-verification-uk/","source_date":"2025-07-28","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"mobile_operator","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","source_url":"https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/28/xbox-age-verification-uk/","source_date":"2025-07-28","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"credit_card","vendor_id":"yoti","vendor_name":"Yoti","source_url":"https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/28/xbox-age-verification-uk/","source_date":"2025-07-28","last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"Social features are limited until you verify through Yoti from the Xbox app or console.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"You lose chat, invites, LFG and clubs; games still play.","official_help_url":"https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/28/xbox-age-verification-uk/"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/28/xbox-age-verification-uk/","title":"Xbox Wire","type":"service_policy","date":"2025-07-28"}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/28/xbox-age-verification-uk/","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":["Exact mandatory date"],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/xbox/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/xbox/feed.xml"},{"id":"youtube","name":"YouTube and Google Account","aliases":[],"domain":"youtube.com","operator":"Google LLC","category":"video","summary":"Accounts inferred to be under 18 are restricted; users can prove age through Google Account with ID, credit card, selfie, or email estimation via VerifyMy. UK is on Google's live list.","gate":{"status":"partial","trigger":["age_signal_only","specific_features"],"applies_to":["flagged_accounts","under_18_estimate"],"first_observed":"2025","notes":""},"methods":[{"method":"photo_id","vendor_id":"google","vendor_name":"Google","retention":{"quote":"deleted after your date of birth is successfully verified","who_holds":"service","period":"after verification","source_url":"https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/10071085","source_date":null},"source_url":"https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/10071085","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"credit_card","vendor_id":"google","vendor_name":"Google","retention":{"quote":"retained as necessary to meet legal and regulatory requirements","who_holds":"service","period":"retained for legal requirements","source_url":"https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/10071085","source_date":null},"source_url":"https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/10071085","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"facial_age_estimation","vendor_id":"google","vendor_name":"Google (Private ID selfie)","retention":{"quote":"then deleted","who_holds":"service","period":"after check","source_url":"https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/10071085","source_date":null},"source_url":"https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/10071085","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""},{"method":"email_estimation","vendor_id":"verifymy","vendor_name":"VerifyMy","retention":{"quote":"delete your personal data immediately as soon as the Check is complete","who_holds":"vendor","period":"immediately","source_url":"https://verifymy.io/age-verification-and-estimation/google-age-assurance-privacy-policy","source_date":"2024-06"},"source_url":"https://verifymy.io/age-verification-and-estimation/google-age-assurance-privacy-policy","source_date":null,"last_verified":"2026-09-06","confidence":"primary","notes":""}],"enforcement":[{"regulator":"Ofcom","action":"statement","date":"2026-03-12","amount_gbp":null,"summary":"Ofcom and ICO letters requiring stronger age checks.","source_url":"https://www.lewissilkin.com/insights/2026/03/12"}],"user_facing":{"what_happens":"If Google thinks you are under 18, age-restricted videos and some features are blocked until you verify through your Google Account.","how_long":null,"can_you_decline":"Restrictions stay on.","official_help_url":"https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16422785"},"last_verified":"2026-09-06","sources":[{"url":"https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16422785","title":"YouTube help: age assurance countries","type":"service_help","date":null},{"url":"https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/10071085","title":"Google Account verification","type":"service_help","date":null}],"changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-06","field":"seed","new":"record created from research/01 and research/02","source_url":"https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16422785","detected_by":"seed"}],"open_questions":[],"url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/youtube/","feed_url":"https://agecheckindex.co.uk/services/youtube/feed.xml"}]}