Gamers in the United Kingdom have uncovered a surprisingly straightforward method to evade the new online age verification checks mandated by law. All it requires is a popular video game.
Dany Sterkhov, an X platform user, seems to be the pioneer of this clever hack. On July 25, he shared his experience of bypassing Discord’s age verification using the photo mode in the well-known video game, Death Stranding.
This revelation came just days after the U.K. began enforcing the Online Safety Act, legislation aimed at shielding children from accessing adult content or other disturbing materials linked to self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders. Entities failing to adhere to these new guidelines could face fines as high as 18 million pounds (approximately €21 million) or 10% of their global revenue, whichever is greater. As per Ofcom, the U.K.’s media regulator, platforms including Bluesky, Discord, Grindr, Reddit, and X have committed to implementing age verification systems.
“Prioritizing clicks and engagement over children’s online safety will no longer be tolerated in the U.K.,” stated Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s executive chief. “Our message to tech firms is clear – comply with age-checks and other protective measures outlined in our Codes, or face enforcement actions.”
Interestingly, it seems that some of these age verification strategies are not as foolproof as anticipated.
The Verge and PCGamer have both verified Sterkhov’s method, confirming its effectiveness. Many companies rely on third-party services for age verification, which typically allow users to upload government-issued IDs or submit photos of themselves.
Discord uses a service known as k-ID for age verification. According to Tom Warren from The Verge, all he needed to do was point his phone’s camera at his monitor and scan the face of Sam Bridges—the main character from Death Stranding—utilizing the game’s photo mode. The verification system required him to open and close his mouth, a simple task achievable in-game.
Warren also managed to circumvent Reddit’s age check, which utilizes Persona, using the same method. However, this trick did not work with Bluesky’s verification system, which employs Yoti.
Discord and Reddit have not yet issued comments regarding these findings.
It’s not just Death Stranding players looking for ways around these age verification measures. ProtonVPN recently reported a staggering increase of over 1,400 percent in sign-ups within the U.K. following the implementation of age verification requirements. VPNs allow users to surf the web as though they are located elsewhere, making it simpler to bypass the U.K.’s age checks.
Similar laws enforcing age verification systems for adult sites have been introduced in nearly half the states in the U.S., with nine states also requiring parental consent or age verification for social media platforms.
Can age verification be easily bypassed on other platforms? While some methods have proven effective on sites like Discord and Reddit, security measures vary widely. It seems that gamers are resourcefully leveraging technology to navigate these checks.
What are the implications of the Online Safety Act on user privacy? The necessity for age verification raises questions about data security and personal privacy. Users might be wary of sharing sensitive information, and companies will need to reassure them about the safety of their data.
Are there alternatives to age verification? Yes, some platforms may explore different options for ensuring user safety, such as enhanced parental controls and educational resources to foster awareness among younger users.
What happens if companies fail to comply with these laws? Non-compliance could lead to substantial fines of up to £18 million (about €21 million) or 10% of global revenue, motivating companies to prioritize user safety and adhere to legal requirements.
As these age verification systems evolve, it’s crucial for users to stay informed and vigilant. Whether you’re a gamer or a casual internet user, understanding how these laws impact your online experience is essential.
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