Apple has launched a new age verification program for U.K. users that will require customers to prove they are at least 18 to use some features.

The age filters will be turned on by default, meaning that all users — including adults — will have to prove their age via credit card and other payment methods on file or by submitting an ID to be scanned.

The new policy will reportedly be implemented when U.K. users complete the latest iOS 26.4 software update.

The move comes at a time when child safety online is increasingly drawing attention from regulators, especially in Europe.

On March 12, the U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office and Ofcom, both of which regulate child online safety, announced that they are giving social media platforms several weeks to report back on their plans to bolster child safety. The ICO said it is mulling “further regulatory action” if platforms do not increase their efforts to keep children under age 13 off of their platforms in the near term.

In January, the British government said it is weighing a social media ban for children aged 15 and younger. On Tuesday, the U.K. government announced a series of pilot programs designed to test different ways of regulating children’s use of the platforms.

Several other European countries, including France and the Netherlands, have recently announced they will implement or are considering social media bans for young teens.

Apple told users that its new policy comes in response to laws requiring stringent mechanisms to ensure children are not accessing adult content.

“This is required by law in some countries and regions,” the tech giant said in a Tuesday blog post. “In certain countries and regions, you might be required to confirm that you’re an adult before downloading apps, changing certain settings, or taking other actions with your Apple Account.”

Ofcom published a statement hailing the new policy, saying it will bolster efforts to “keep young people away from harmful content.”