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Is Reddit’s New Age-Check Good or Bad for User Privacy? What Every UK User Needs to Know
Many people now use Reddit to talk, learn, and share ideas. But things are changing for users in the United Kingdom. A new law says websites must keep kids safe from seeing grown-up stuff. Reddit, wanting to listen to this law, now asks users in the UK to prove how old they are before seeing certain content.
New UK Law and What It Means
The UK Online Safety Act wants websites to block children from seeing things not meant for them. That includes pictures, words, or videos with:
- Sexually explicit content
- Advice about self-harm
- Mean messages (hate speech)
- Violence and risky stunts
Every site with this kind of content must check the age of its users. Not doing it could mean big fines, up to £18 million or 10% of a website’s global money made.
How Reddit Checks Your Age
Reddit now asks people in the UK to show they’re old enough. Here’s what happens:
You try to view mature content: Before you can, Reddit asks for age verification.
A partner steps in: Reddit works with a company called Persona to check your age.
You prove your age: You can upload:
- A picture of your government ID (like a passport)
- A selfie (a picture of your own face)
Privacy steps:
- Reddit does not keep the pictures of your face or ID.
- Persona deletes them within seven days.
- Reddit keeps only your date of birth and a note that you passed the check.
- No one sees your birthday—not users, not advertisers.
- Persona never gets to see what you do on Reddit, like which communities you visit.
Why Some People Feel Worry and Others Feel Safe
Reddit has always let people stay anonymous. Now, asking for photos feels different. Some users are worried:
- Will my data stay safe?
- Is my privacy at risk?
- Will scammers get my ID or selfie?
The company says your information is secure, and nothing is sold or shared. The rules are only there to keep young people away from things that are not for them.
What If You Are Outside the UK?
No forced check for most: You don’t have to prove your age.
Optional: Reddit may ask for your birthday to show the right ads or content. You don’t have to give it.
Privacy: Your data is not visible to others. You control what you share.
- They won’t be able to see or post mature content.
- Children under 13 can’t use Reddit at all.
- Moderators face new work to tag and sort grown-up posts on their forums.
What Comes Next?
This change may spread to more countries as rules change. Reddit wants to be ready and keep all users safe by following local laws.