VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Internet: Proof of Identity

Asked by Anneliese DoddsLabour (Co-op)Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 20 March 2026UIN 120000

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the implementation of the user identity verification provisions in the Online Safety Act on the Government’s target to halve violence against women and girls.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

Ofcom will be consulting on guidance for user identity verification required under the Online Safety Act, following the publication of the categorisation register. The consultation findings will be published as soon as possible, by mid-2027.

The Act requires providers to offer UK adult users features to filter out non verified users; this will help women and girls filter out anonymous abuse more effectively.

The user identify verification requirements will allow users greater protection of their data identity and improves digital inclusion and accessibility.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim