Overview

This bill mandates that online businesses selling age-restricted goods and services must take reasonable steps to verify the age of their customers. The specifics of what constitutes "reasonable steps" and which goods and services are covered will be determined by the Secretary of State.

Description

The Online Purchasing of Goods and Services (Age Verification) Bill aims to protect children by preventing them from accessing age-restricted products online. It requires companies, organizations, and individuals selling age-restricted goods or services online to verify the age of purchasers.

Key Aspects:

• Age Verification Requirement: Businesses must take "reasonable steps" to verify the age of customers buying age-restricted goods or services online.
• Goods and Services Covered: The Secretary of State will determine which goods and services are subject to the bill, considering existing legal age restrictions and those set by statutory bodies.
• Secretary of State's Role: The Secretary of State will publish annual guidance on how to comply with the law.
• Penalties: Non-compliance is an offense punishable by a fine (up to the statutory maximum).
• Regulations: The Secretary of State will create and publish regulations, subject to parliamentary scrutiny.
• Extent: The bill applies to Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs may arise from creating and enforcing the regulations and providing guidance.

Groups Affected

• Online Businesses: Will incur costs related to implementing age verification systems and potentially facing fines for non-compliance.
• Consumers: May face additional steps during online purchases, requiring age verification.
• Children: The bill aims to protect them from accessing age-restricted goods and services online.
• Government Agencies: Responsible for creating, implementing, and enforcing the regulations.

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