United Kingdom: Adopted Updated Commissioner’s Opinion on Age Assurance for the Children’s Code including Guidance for Online Services

On 18 January 2024, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) updated its 2021 Opinion on Age Assurance for the Children’s Code. The updated Opinion provides guidance on what online services must do if they are likely to be accessed by children. It also reflects technological developments in this area and explains legislative changes. It describes the four main approaches to age assurance: age verification, age estimation, self-declaration, and waterfall techniques.The Opinion explains how age assurance can be part of a necessary and proportionate approach to reducing or eliminating risks and conforming to the Code.