A Bill to make it a requirement for the providers of goods and services and the providers of specific facilities enabling the purchase of such goods and services to make reasonable steps, in certain circumstances, to establish the age of customers making such purchases remotely; and for connected purposes
The purpose of the Bill is to make it a legal requirement for the providers of goods and services, and the providers of specific facilities enabling the purchase of such goods and services, to take reasonable steps to establish the age of customers making such purchases remotely. It was introduced in response to concerns that self-regulation in this area does not appear to be working.In effect, the Bill would require anyone selling age-restricted goods and services over the internet to take steps to verify online whether customers are old enough to purchase those goods or services.
House of Commons
30 October 2008
This Bill would make it a legal duty for online sellers and the platforms that enable online shopping to take reasonable steps to verify the age of customers before selling age‑restricted goods or services remotely. It replaces reliance on voluntary self-regulation with a statutory requirement to check ages online where appropriate. The aim is to prevent under‑age access to products and services that should be restricted to adults.
The Bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons, where its general principles are debated before moving on to further scrutiny.
Generated 21 February 2026
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
