Captured source text (L5)
Background to the guidance Protection of Children Codes
2.5The Protection of Children Code of Practice for user-to-user services (“the Code”), includes
recommended measures on the implementation of highly effective age assurance in certain
circumstances.4 The Code sets out the definition of highly effective age assurance for these
recommended measures, and lists the steps that service providers should take to fulfil each
of the criteria.5
2.6The Code also includes other recommended measures which may be relevant to the way
that service providers implement and operate a highly effective age assurance process on
their service – for example, measures relating to the clarity and accessibility of terms of
service, and reporting and complaints.6
2.7Service providers are required to keep records of (1) steps that they have taken in
accordance with the Code, or (2) any alternative steps they have taken to comply with their
1 Section 35(2) of the Act.
2 We use the term "access controls" to describe a technical mechanism(s) which prevents users who have not
been age assured, or having been age assured, did not meet the requirements of the age assurance process,
from accessing a service (or part of it) or certain content.
3 Children’s Access Assessments Guidance, April 2025.
4 Measures PCU B1-PCU B7 of the Protection of Children Code for user-to-user services.
5 Paragraphs 5.10-5.15 of the Protection of Children Code for user-to-user services.
6 See the ‘Index of Recommended Measures’ in the Protection of Children Code for user-to-user services for a
full list of the recommended measures and which services they apply to.
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duties.7 Service providers should consult our Record Keeping and Review Guidance for this
purpose.8
2.8This guidance will help service providers in adopting recommended measures that relate to
the implementation of highly effective age assurance, by providing additional technical
detail and examples on how to meet the standard.
Full captured verbatim text
2.5 The Protection of Children Code of Practice for user-to-user services (“the Code”), includes recommended measures on the implementation of highly effective age assurance in certain circumstances.4 The Code sets out the definition of highly effective age assurance for these recommended measures, and lists the steps that service providers should take to fulfil each of the criteria.5 2.6 The Code also includes other recommended measures which may be relevant to the way that service providers implement and operate a highly effective age assurance process on their service – for example, measures relating to the clarity and accessibility of terms of service, and reporting and complaints.6 2.7 Service providers are required to keep records of (1) steps that they have taken in accordance with the Code, or (2) any alternative steps they have taken to comply with their 1 Section 35(2) of the Act. 2 We use the term "access controls" to describe a technical mechanism(s) which prevents users who have not been age assured, or having been age assured, did not meet the requirements of the age assurance process, from accessing a service (or part of it) or certain content. 3 Children’s Access Assessments Guidance, April 2025. 4 Measures PCU B1-PCU B7 of the Protection of Children Code for user-to-user services. 5 Paragraphs 5.10-5.15 of the Protection of Children Code for user-to-user services. 6 See the ‘Index of Recommended Measures’ in the Protection of Children Code for user-to-user services for a full list of the recommended measures and which services they apply to. 5 duties.7 Service providers should consult our Record Keeping and Review Guidance for this purpose.8 2.8 This guidance will help service providers in adopting recommended measures that relate to the implementation of highly effective age assurance, by providing additional technical detail and examples on how to meet the standard.