BT and EE, CK Hutchison Group Telecom, Virgin Media O2, and Vodafone Group have announced the launch of new network technologies in the UK that will help online platforms verify customer ages and help combat digital fraud.

The technology is delivered through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, an industry framework for telecommunications operators to provide standardised network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to help developers protect consumers and comply with new UK safety laws.

The APIs can be used in various scenarios, including streaming services, gaming platforms, online marketplaces, and adult content websites, which ensuring compliance with regulations while reducing friction in the user experience.

GSMA, which is an organisation representing over 750 mobile networks around the world, said an enhanced KYC Match API, featuring fuzzy logic capabilities, will follow before the end of the year.

Since operators already manage verified user data, such as date of birth linked to mobile numbers, GSMA said they can provide a seamless and privacy-compliant solution for digital platforms.

The technology follows the launch of the UK’s Online Safety Act, which requires age checks for platforms hosting user-generated content.

GSMA cited figures by the Age Verification Providers Association which show that UK consumers are now undergoing five million additional age checks every day under the new law, highlighting the need for scalable, frictionless verification.

The organisation said the collaboration addresses the need for robust age verification following new legal safeguarding laws and the escalating threat of online fraud.

According to figures from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), people in the UK lost £11.4 billion to scams last year and criminals scammed over $1 trillion from victims worldwide last year.

GSMA said these statistics emphasise the need for the mobile industry to work together with online banks and retailers through global standardised technology initiatives to tackle the issue.

“Age assurance is just one area where the smart use of mobile networks can support online entertainment and commerce sites, and safeguard consumers,” said Henry Calvert, head of networks at GSMA. “By giving developers easier, secure access to the rich network functionality of mobile networks, we can also use network intelligence in the fight against fraud and scams.

“We’ve already seen the results UK mobile operators and banks have achieved through Scam Signal and look forward to building on these foundations.”

---