Substack is the latest platform to introduce age-verification requirements in the UK, following the enforcement of the country’s Online Safety Act, a law that’s quickly reshaping how platforms handle “potentially harmful” content online.
The law, which came into effect in late July, requires platforms hosting certain types of sensitive or explicit content to verify the age of UK visitors. And while initially aimed at adult websites, the ripple effects now stretch far beyond the NSFW internet.
YouTube already age-verifies broadly. Even social platforms with traditionally “safe-for-work” reputations are adapting. Now Substack is joining them.
In an October 20 blog post, Substack expressed reservations about the regulation, arguing that measures like mandatory ID checks or facial scans introduce friction and chill free expression:
“Though they are often well-intentioned, these laws are not necessarily effective at achieving their stated aims, and they come with real costs to free expression. They introduce friction, forcing an identification step before people can read on the internet.”
Still, the platform said it will comply with local requirements where necessary, meaning age verification will now be triggered for UK users when they attempt to access content that falls under the law’s “adult content” categories.
What Content Will Be Age-Restricted?
- According to Substack’s Help Center, age verification will apply to any publication or post containing the following:
- Sexually explicit or pornographic content
- Content that encourages self-harm, including eating disorders or suicide
- Bullying or harassment
- Hate targeting protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation)
- Violent or graphic material
This restriction isn’t limited to posts. Substack warns that chats, DMs, comments, and Notes may also be blurred or blocked if they fall within the Act’s definition of “potentially harmful.”
How Verification Will Work
When attempting to view restricted content, UK users will encounter a notice requiring them to complete an age check. Substack says this may involve a facial scan and a government ID (recommended if selfie verification fails.)
The platform also notes that Paid subscribers are already considered verified through their banking information.Some users may already be verified through other platforms, depending on sign-in method.
Substack will retain the age estimate after verification is complete.
Substack’s announcement comes as more countries explore similar legislation. The company briefly referenced Australia’s upcoming age-verification plans, though later posts have not reiterated the point. What’s clear is that age-verification laws are expanding, and platforms with any kind of sensitive content are being pulled into compliance. The debate over privacy, friction, and feasibility is only getting louder.