Epic Games Uses Yoti's Age Estimation for UK Bluesky Compliance

Published Date : 7/11/2025 

Bluesky partners with Epic Games to implement Yoti's biometric age estimation tools, ensuring adherence to the UK's Online Safety Act. This move aims to restrict adult content for under-18s and enhance online safety measures across social media platforms. 

Social media platform Bluesky has taken a significant step toward compliance with the UK's Online Safety Act by integrating Epic Games' biometric age estimation technology. This initiative, powered by Yoti's facial age estimation system, is designed to verify user ages and restrict access to inappropriate content for minors. The move underscores the growing importance of age verification in digital spaces, especially as regulatory frameworks tighten to protect young users. n nEpic Games, best known for its popular title Fortnite, has expanded its reach beyond gaming through its subsidiary SuperAwesome. This subsidiary specializes in kid-safe digital solutions, including age assurance technologies. In 2023, SuperAwesome partnered with Yoti to enhance its verifiable parental consent system, leveraging facial age estimation to ensure compliance with data protection laws. Now, this technology is being extended to Bluesky, a rising social media platform with over 37 million users globally. n nThe integration of Yoti's technology into Bluesky's operations highlights the evolving landscape of online safety. Yoti, a leading biometric authentication company, uses advanced facial recognition algorithms to estimate a user's age. This method is part of a broader suite of age assurance tools, including payment card checks and ID scans, offered through Epic Games' Kids Web Services (KWS). By combining these methods, Bluesky aims to create a robust system that deters underage access to adult content while maintaining user privacy. n nUnder the UK's Online Safety Act, social media platforms are required to implement age verification measures by July 25. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines and regulatory penalties. Bluesky's decision to adopt Yoti's facial age estimation aligns with this deadline, ensuring that users under 18 are either blocked from accessing adult content or restricted from using certain features like direct messaging. This approach not only protects minors but also reinforces Bluesky's commitment to fostering a safer online environment. n nThe implementation of these measures is not without challenges. Critics argue that biometric data collection raises privacy concerns, particularly for younger users. However, Bluesky and its partners emphasize that the technology is designed to be secure and compliant with data protection regulations. The company also notes that users who are unwilling to undergo age verification will face restrictions, but they retain the option to opt out by providing alternative proof of age. n nBluesky's user base, while substantial, has seen fluctuations in active engagement. With over 37 million users globally, the platform has attracted attention for its decentralized approach to social media. However, only 10.6 million users have engaged with the platform in the past 90 days, highlighting the need for robust safety measures to retain trust. By adopting Yoti's technology, Bluesky aims to address these concerns and position itself as a responsible digital space for all age groups. n nThe partnership between Epic Games, Yoti, and Bluesky reflects a broader trend in the tech industry. As governments worldwide introduce stricter regulations on online content, companies are increasingly turning to biometric solutions to meet compliance requirements. This collaboration also signals the growing influence of gaming companies in shaping digital safety standards, as Epic Games leverages its expertise in user authentication to support social media platforms. n nWhile the feature is not yet live, Bluesky has confirmed that UK users will soon receive notifications about the update. The company has also stated that it will continue to refine its age assurance methods to ensure they are both effective and user-friendly. This ongoing effort highlights the dynamic nature of online safety, where technological innovation must balance security with accessibility. n nThe integration of Yoti's technology into Bluesky's ecosystem is a significant milestone in the fight against online exploitation. By prioritizing age verification, the platform is setting a precedent for other social media companies to follow. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the role of biometric solutions in safeguarding users will only become more critical. n nIn addition to the technical aspects, the collaboration between these companies also has implications for the broader tech industry. It underscores the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing complex challenges like online safety. By combining gaming expertise with biometric innovation, Epic Games and Yoti are demonstrating how different sectors can work together to create solutions that benefit users worldwide. n nUltimately, the success of this initiative will depend on its ability to protect minors without compromising user experience. As Bluesky prepares to roll out the new features, the focus remains on striking the right balance between safety and freedom. With the support of Yoti's advanced age estimation tools, the platform is well-positioned to meet the demands of the UK's Online Safety Act and set a new standard for responsible social media practices. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: Why is Bluesky implementing Yoti's facial age estimation?

A: Bluesky is implementing Yoti's facial age estimation to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act, which requires social media platforms to verify user ages and restrict access to adult content for minors.

Q: How does Yoti's facial age estimation work?

A: Yoti uses advanced facial recognition algorithms to estimate a user's age by analyzing facial features. This method is part of a broader suite of age assurance tools, including payment card checks and ID scans, to verify user ages.

Q: What happens to users under 18 on Bluesky?

A: Users under 18 will have access to adult content restricted and may face limitations on features like direct messaging. They can also opt out of biometric verification by providing alternative proof of age.

Q: What is the deadline for age verification compliance?

A: Social media platforms in the UK must implement age verification measures by July 25 to avoid regulatory penalties under the Online Safety Act.

Q: How does this affect user privacy?

A: Bluesky and its partners emphasize that the technology is designed to be secure and compliant with data protection regulations. Users can opt out of biometric verification, but they must provide alternative proof of age to avoid restrictions. 

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