Apple iPhone users in the UK asked to verify age with new update

Apple has introduced new age verification measures for iPhone and iPad users in the UK, requiring them to confirm they are adults to access certain services, including apps restricted to users aged 18 and over. This update comes as part of the latest iOS 16.4 software rollout. After upgrading, users will need to verify their age either by submitting a credit card or scanning official identification, according to details provided on Apple’s support page.

If users fail to verify their age or are identified as underage, their devices will automatically activate web content filters to restrict access. The update presents UK users with a prompt stating: “UK law requires you to confirm you are an adult to change content restrictions.” Apple has designed the system to recognize existing information on file, such as payment methods or the length of account usage, to help confirm a user’s age. Additionally, accounts cannot be created for children under 13 without parental consent.

The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has welcomed Apple’s decision, describing it as a significant benefit for children and families. An Ofcom spokesperson highlighted their collaboration with Apple and other companies to ensure that new regulations are effective across different platforms for user protection. Conversely, Silkie Carlo, director of the campaign group Big Brother Watch, criticized the update. She described it as a “chokehold on Britons’ freedom to search the internet” and likened the requirement to “ransomware,” arguing that it forces millions of people to treat their devices as if owned by a child unless they comply.

This development follows UK legislation introduced in 2025 mandating age checks for specific types of websites, such as those hosting adult content. These laws have sparked concerns among privacy advocates who worry that mandatory submission of personal data could jeopardize privacy and security. Apple’s move also fits into a broader industry-wide discussion about safeguarding children online and addressing the challenges posed by social media. In parallel, the UK government is conducting trials involving 300 teenagers, experimenting with restrictions on social media app usage to assess the impact on young users’ experiences

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