Access denied to 16 year olds

[drax83]

I have written to the ICO in no uncertain terms that revising the age teens can access our site to 18, is not acceptable. We here give under 18s the platform to air their worries without the stress or embarrassment of seeking GPs who still refuse in many areas of the UK to see face to face patients. Imagine having to do a telephone appointment from a phone in a public place or home asking about possible tummy problems which affect teenagers as much as us older people. I have sent the complaint also to my local MP Lisa Nandy, who I have working relationship with, to ask how this was implemented by the the ICO without many people not even knowing about this seemingly slipped in policy which will effect many 16 year old who want some forum answers rather from the establishment, which sadly still ignores or leaves teenagers without the support they need. I hope you will agree with me, and I'm open to discussion as a former Councillor from the eighties, what you think of this ICO policy, whether it's right or wrong. Thanks mike

[Maureen1958]

I kind of agree with you, although all they need to do is lie about their date of birth!

[Hidden in reply to Maureen1958]

25/12/2000

Or has they say! More ways to Kill the Cat other than Choking it with Goldfish!

[drax83 in reply to Maureen1958]

I believe it now has to be verified by driving licence or other accepted ID. I understand this affects all health and sexual health forums and many other sites. This is not just about this site. Read the ICO statement on why this this being implemented, it seems without consultation of sites that are affected.

[Maureen1958 in reply to drax83]

My husband just joined HealthUnlocked, he just clicked the button to say he is over 18, no verification needed!

[Hidden in reply to drax83]

So 16 year olds can vote. 17 can drive Yet can't find any help on a moth eaten forum? not like there going to be having nude pictures/sex/Grooming etc etc etc

Plus at 16 i can join the Armed forces and Go Shoot/Kill people plus Along with own my own Firearms/Shotguns!

So if deemed that a Responsible Adult why can't i find help for IBS/Thyroid/Water works/Autism and shed loads more plus could also be for someone else that A is limited in sight/thought/Capabilities. B is a Carer

Mind i do know part of why! it's because if you get into other side of HU there marketing us Guinea Pigs reason why they want us to fill more info out!

[Hidden]

Totally agree. I don’t see why there should be an age restriction. You wouldn’t see an age restriction in the medical science section of a library for example. But I’m not sure it’s an ICO interest. They would only be there to deal with and control personal details. And in my experience unless it’s a serious breach they are simply not interested. Privacy policies are set by the individual organisations and not the ICO. In the same way they set their own terms. Also remembering that dot com organisations may be basest outside the control of the Uk As Maureen said just lie lol

[Linley]

Agree with Maureen1958 16 year olds can lie about their age or they can just sign up with no check.