“Dear AI, why has Substack introduced an obstacle to what it calls, ‘age-restricted content’…?“
Substack has introduced age verification requirements for UK users to comply with the UK Online Safety Act (OSA), which mandates that online platforms restrict access to content deemed potentially harmful or adult to prevent users under 18 from accessing it. This law, effective since late July 2025, requires platforms to implement age verification measures for sensitive content, such as sexually explicit material, content encouraging self-harm, hate speech, bullying, and graphic violence.
As a result, UK users may encounter blurred or blocked posts, chats, direct messages, comments, and Notes if they attempt to access content falling under these categories without verifying their age.
Substack has stated that while it cautions against such regulations due to their potential negative impact on free expression and the friction they introduce, it respects national laws and complies with local regulations where required.
The age verification process typically involves a facial scan using a selfie (!!!!!!)
…with the option to submit a government-issued ID if the selfie method fails, and Substack retains an age estimate for future access to reduce repeated verification. Paid subscribers are automatically verified through their payment information, and users can request a manual review if they believe content has been incorrectly labeled.
This box appeared when I clicked on ‘Verify age’ …
…followed by this …
… at which point, I fled. So Substack – who tell us they have expressed reservations on all this – need me to send my own personal, identifiable, BIOMETRIC INFORMATION. Who the hell do they think they are…?
Return to Bomb Alley 1982 – The Falklands Deception, by Paul Cardin
Amazon link
Wirral In It Together 