Bluesky Implements Age Verification to Comply with UK Online Safety Act

Bluesky has announced the implementation of age verification for its users in the UK, following the requirements of the UK’s Online Safety Act. Starting July 25, 2025, platforms that host adult content are required to ensure that users are of legal age. Bluesky will allow UK users to verify their age through face scanning, uploading an ID, or entering payment card information. The platform will utilize Kid Web Services (KWS), a tool owned by Epic Games, to manage these verifications. Users who don’t wish to verify their age, or are under 18, will still be able to maintain accounts with restricted access, including blocked adult content and limited features, such as direct messaging. This new measure aims to align with the law’s objective of creating a safer online space for children and young people. However, critics of the Online Safety Act have raised concerns about its potential to lead to a more censored internet in the UK. If Bluesky fails to comply, it could face heavy fines, up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue. The new system will roll out with a user notification asking for age verification, which will be carried out via KWS after email registration.