Newsletter platform Substack will now require age verification for users in the United Kingdom to comply with the recently enacted Online Safety Act. The move reflects a growing trend of stringent age-verification laws being implemented globally, raising questions about their effectiveness and impact on free expression.
The Online Safety Act and Its Implications
The UK’s Online Safety Act, which took effect in late July, mandates that websites hosting explicit content implement age-verification measures. These can range from financial data checks to invasive facial recognition scans. While the law aims to protect minors from harmful material, critics argue it introduces unnecessary friction and may not effectively prevent access to restricted content.
Substack acknowledges the drawbacks, stating in a blog post that such regulations “are not necessarily effective at achieving their stated aims, and they come with real costs to free expression.” However, the platform maintains it will comply with local laws.
How Substack’s System Works
Substack’s implementation means that users accessing content flagged under the Act may encounter a verification prompt before viewing. Paid subscribers, already verified through banking details, are exempt. Others may be asked to complete a facial scan, and the platform suggests having a government ID ready in case of failure.
Notably, Substack will retain the age estimate post-verification. Users can request manual review if content is blurred in error, but the process introduces an additional layer of scrutiny.
Content Affected by the New Rules
The following content categories are subject to verification:
- Sexually explicit material
- Content promoting self-harm
- Bullying and harassment
- Hate speech targeting protected groups
- Violent or graphic material
This means that UK users may find certain publications’ chats, direct messages, comments, and Notes blurred or blocked if they don’t verify their age.
Context: A Broader Trend and Past Controversies
Age-verification laws are becoming increasingly common worldwide, with Australia poised to introduce similar legislation. Substack’s move follows compliance by other platforms, including Pornhub and even mainstream sites like YouTube.
This change arrives amid a history of controversy for Substack. The platform has faced criticism for hosting extremist content, prompting some users to leave over the presence of alt-right and Neo-Nazi publications. The new verification system will likely blur such content for unverified UK users.
The implementation of age verification underscores the tension between content regulation, user privacy, and freedom of expression. While intended to protect vulnerable audiences, these measures may inadvertently limit access to legitimate content and raise concerns about data retention.
