The rollout of the UK’s Online Safety Act in July 2025 was intended to create a safer digital environment for children through stricter age verification rules, tighter moderation standards, and stronger protections against harmful online content. However, early evidence suggests that many of the safeguards introduced under the legislation can still be bypassed with surprisingly simple tactics, including a fake moustache drawn with makeup. 

Recent findings have raised concerns among parents, researchers, and digital safety experts about the effectiveness of current age verification systems. While the Online Safety Act has led to some improvements in children’s online experiences, critics a...