Is the age verification process still coming into force in July? If it is I'm not sure I want to go through the process, anyone know anything that might be relevant.
The UK's Online Safety Act doesn't directly prevent access to websites hosted outside the UK. Instead, it imposes obligations on online services, including those based abroad, that have a significant connection to the UK, such as having a substantial number of UK users or targeting the UK market. These services are then required to take measures to prevent illegal content and protect users, especially children.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Extraterritorial Scope:
The Act has an extraterritorial scope, meaning it applies to services based outside the UK if they have a link to the UK.
Links to the UK:
A service has links to the UK if it has a significant number of UK users, the UK is one of its target markets, or it's accessible to UK users and there's a risk of significant harm.
Obligations on Services:
Services within the scope of the Act are legally responsible for keeping users safe online, including removing illegal content and mitigating risks.
No Direct Access Blocking:
The Act doesn't directly block access to specific websites. Instead, it requires services to take proactive measures to prevent harmful content from being seen by UK users.
Ofcom's Role:
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, will be responsible for enforcing the Act and overseeing its implementation.
