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> Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, praised Apple for the decision, especially since it’s not required to implement age verification for the iOS or its
by dghf 6mo ago
> Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, praised Apple for the decision, especially since it’s not required to implement age verification for the iOS or its App Store under the region’s Online Safety Act.
https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-introduces-age-verification-for-icloud-accounts-in-the-uk-115340237.html https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-introduces-age-verif...
- swiftcoder 6mo agoWhile Ofcom hasn't required it yet, they have indicated that they very much plan to[1]. Apple is pretty clearly getting out ahead of this, and simultaneously removing the burden of compliance off all of the relevant app developers (which seems in line with their overall privacy stance - I'm more inclined to trust Apple with my ID than I am some social network) [1]: https://www.rpclegal.com/snapshots/consumer/winter-2025/ofcom-seeks-evidence-on-age-assurance-measures-and-the-potential-regulation-of-app-stores/#:~:text=Concurrently%2C%20Ofcom%20is,under%20the%20OSA. https://www.rpclegal.com/snapshots/consumer/winter-2025/ofco...
- Levitz 6mo agoRemoving friction from a process that damages privacy is not a positive.
- swiftcoder 6mo agoIt's also not a net negative, if that process is going to be mandatory
- rafram 6mo agoPassing a law that damages privacy is a negative. Complying with the law is an imperative. So mitigating harm from the law seems like a positive.
- dghf 6mo agoThat mentions app stores, but I can't see anything about device-level age-verification there. Also, does Ofcom have the power under the Online Safety Act to mandate app-store verification (or device-level verification, for that matter)? Or would it require secondary, or even primary, legislation?