Discussions about O2 and age verification

[Anonymous]

Just received a text from TPTB saying I need to confirm I'm over 18 to view adult material. Until then, it'll remain blocked on my phone. I don't have a credit card so I'll need to do this in store. Just wondering, I have no particular desire to view pornographic material or register to flirt websites on my phone but if I don't have this ban lifted, will it affect my general day-to-day browsing in any way? Otherwise, I won't bother.
Secondly, when did this come about? Never needed to confirm my age in the past. And why couldn't they have sorted this in store when I bought the phone?

[Anonymous]

Exactly and what you choose to do with your phone once you've taken out the contract is up to you O2 should keep their noses out

[Anonymous]

This is a real pain! I tried using the guru chat but they said to use a credit card, after I had already told them I only have a debit card, or to call in to an o2 shop with ID.

Possible solutions:

1. When purchasing phone/signing contract verify age there and then
2. Offer age restriction as an opt-in and not on by default
3. Find an additional method to verify age without having to show ID in store.

[jonsie]

It is a pain I agree but the safeguards are there for a reason. I do agree though that it should be opt-in not opt-out but this way does take into account irresponsible and uninformed parents.

Yo could try calling customer service, some people have been successful this way.

[adamtemp64]

http://www.mobilebroadbandgroup.com/social.htm and the code v3 says all networks have to verify so it is an opt out only situation

I quote

"

Each mobile operator places commercial content classified as 18 behind access controls and only makes it available to those customers that it has satisfied itself, through a process of age verification, are 18 or over."

[Anonymous]

Personally I think the system is good. Over 18 content is just that and should not be available to kids especially.

I am sure most parents out there would agree!

As for the process, when setting up the account that would be the time to do it. Credit Card is easiest as you have to by law be over 18 to get one by they are also easily accessed by kids when they feel they need to.

[jonsie]

It's a legal requirement for all networks. You don't lose any money as the £1.00 is refunded. In fact you can have the restriction removed probably as quick as writing your post.

[Anonymous]

please, you teach me then. tell me what is it that I don't know. tell me what's the official reason why o2 and all the other networks agreed on giving their contribution in parenting young generations and give me references ^^. an old fashioned "click yes if you're over 18" should do so why the hell would they go so far? being pushed maybe? by what? some new law? made and agreed by who? yeah, self-righteous religious people, again. am I just blowing steam? am I just going too far with my imagination? then are rules and laws just falling from the sky? come on. This web page is called "discussion". A discussion is formed by a subject and at least two people giving their opinions. You know the subject now you know my opinion: the kind of people that make these laws (or rules) that restrict people's freedom (whether they're under aged or not) are self-righteous religious people along with their fake morality.

If I'm wrong and I'm lying then you tell me the truth, and your opinion as well.

P.S. whoever deleted my previous posts please justify yourself. 

[MI5]

The reasons why are all explained on the thread.
Just clicking a button is not sufficient to prove your age.
Many minors have access to phones and could easily click "YES" and have access to potentially damaging and harmful content.

[jonsie]

Many questions answered here :

http://news.o2.co.uk/2011/03/03/mobile-phones-and-age-verification-your-questions-answered/

There is also a long thread on this subject if I recall correctly so search for age verification in the search box. 

[Curr946]

I would like an internet without sex, drugs but more rock and roll.

Kids dont need to see this online, I think that us adults should take a small additional step to remove these if we wish. Otherwise kids will stumble on things before thier time.