Although the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is still working on the roll-out of Britain's age-verification system, designed to keep minors from accessing adult content, the British government is already preparing for the inevitable legal challenges.

 

It has set aside around £10 million to cover possible legal fees.

 

The age verification plan is all part of the Digital Economy Act which was passed in 2017. Although not exclusively targeted at the porn industry, it did include the requirement to safeguard minors from accessing x-rated material. It also lists possible punishment for websites that fail to verify the age of users, including targeting credit card payment access or being blocked outright by British ISPs (Internet Service Providers).

 

"The Government estimates a realistic risk range to be between £1m - £10m in the first year, based on likely number and scale of legal challenges," digital minister Margot James said in a written statement. "This is a new law and there remains a risk that the BBFC will be exposed to legal challenge on the basis of decisions taken as the age verification regulator or on grounds of principle from those opposed to the policy."

 

Details about enforcement, and when it will start, are vague. The BBFC did create a website, AgeVerifcationRegulator.com, to explain how "Parents," "Adults" and the "Industry" will be affected. The site will also provide more details on the process of age verification once it has been finalized and approved by the government.

 

Once the law is actively being enforced, the site also includes a snitch option, allowing people to report any website in violation of the Act. Fun!

 

Will the British government ever really make this happen? Yes. Will they regret it? Probably. Will they admit they made a mistake? Not on your life.