As of late last week, viewing adult content in the United Kingdom now necessitates age verification, following the enactment of the Online Safety Act. This significant legislation has led many users to encounter prompts requiring them to either scan their face or provide a form of identification before accessing adult websites. Several popular platforms, including Reddit, began preparing for this age verification requirement earlier this month, but the full enforcement means that many of the largest adult websites now demand verification to proceed.
While some users are compliant with these new requirements, many have sought alternatives to bypass the verification process. Various workarounds have surfaced, including the use of a VPN to circumvent restrictions. One particularly notable method gained attention on social media, where user Dany Sterkhov revealed that the photo mode in the game Death Stranding can be utilized to trick the security scan on platforms like Discord. This method raises questions about the effectiveness of the age verification checks, as it seems a still image displayed on a computer can successfully navigate the initial verification stages.
Interestingly, Discord's k-ID system requires users to take a photo with their mouth open for full verification. By utilizing the game's photo mode, players can capture an image of Sam Porter Bridges, the protagonist of Death Stranding, thereby meeting Discord's requirements. This workaround hints at the potential for using photo modes from other games to achieve similar results. Furthermore, it wouldn't be surprising if face swapping apps began marketing themselves as tools for circumventing these age verification scans, potentially leading to an arms race involving AI and age verification technology.
Despite the humorous nature of the Death Stranding workaround, using a reliable VPN remains a more practical solution for many seeking to access adult content without restrictions. VPNs not only help bypass certain limitations but also enhance your online security and protect personal data. Following the implementation of the age verification rules in the UK, VPN usage saw a dramatic increase. Proton VPN reported a staggering 1400% hourly spike in sign-ups, while Google searches for Proton VPN surged 100 times on the first day of enforcement.
Proton VPN, recognized as one of the top-tier VPN service providers, shared a humorous graph illustrating this sudden increase in usage on social media. However, there are several other reputable VPN options available for users looking to enhance their online privacy. For those in search of a new VPN service, our colleagues at TechRadar regularly track the best VPN deals to help you make an informed decision.
For those unfamiliar, Death Stranding is a video game created by renowned developer Hideo Kojima, best known for his work on the Metal Gear Solid series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this open-world game encourages players to explore their surroundings and engage with a unique storyline. Until late last year, Xbox players were unable to access Death Stranding, but recent developments have allowed for a broader release. With Kojima Productions now fully owning the rights to the franchise, it's likely that a sequel, Death Stranding 2, will be available on Xbox platforms without further delays.