NOTE: This information applies to UK members only.
Introduction
To comply with the UK Online Safety Act, Flickr requires age verification for UK members who want to disable SafeSearch and access restricted content. This article explains how age verification works and why it’s required.
Who needs to verify their age?
Age verification is only required for users located in the United Kingdom. You will be asked to verify your age if:
- You try to turn off SafeSearch.
- You attempt to access restricted content (such as certain images, groups, titles, or comments).
Requirements to disable SafeSearch
To disable SafeSearch, member must be:
- A Flickr Pro member AND
- 18+ (and Age Verified)
How Age Verification Works
Flickr verifies your age in one of two ways:
- Automatic Verification (Direct Credit Card): Your age is automatically verified once your credit card is successfully charged for a Flickr Pro purchase or renewal. Please note the card must be entered directly on the Flickr billing page.
- Manual Verification (Stripe Identity): For all other payment methods (including Google Play, In-app purchasing via the App store and others), you’ll be redirected to Stripe Identity. This is a secure third-party service where you will briefly upload a government-issued ID and take a selfie to confirm your age.
Once you complete the verification process:
- SafeSearch will be turned off (if you choose to disable it).
- You’ll be able to view non-safe content, depending on your account type and settings.
Why we use credit card verification
In the UK, Ofcom’s guidance on the Online Safety Act states that credit card checks are a highly effective age assurance measure. This is because in the UK, an individual must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a credit card. Card issuers are required to verify the age of applicants before issuing a credit card.
Debit cards do not qualify for age verification purposes because they can be issued to minors.
Your privacy and data security
Flickr has chosen verification methods that preserve user privacy:
- Flickr does not store or access your ID or biometric data.
- Stripe encrypts and securely stores all verification documents.
- Flickr only receives confirmation that you've been verified—not your documents.
- Stripe is GDPR compliant.
For more details, you can visit: Stripe’s Privacy Center
What if I don’t want to verify my age?
Verification is optional. But if you choose not to verify your age:
- SafeSearch will remain enabled for your account.
- You will not be able to access any non-safe content.
- You can continue using Flickr’s other features as normal.
If Age Verification fails or contesting your verification status
If your age verification attempt fails or if you believe your age verification status is incorrect, you can dispute it by contacting Flickr Support. We'll review your case and make corrections, if appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to verify my age?
No. Age verification is optional. If you choose not to verify, SafeSearch remains enabled and restricted content stays inaccessible, but Flickr remains fully usable otherwise.
Can I gift Flickr Pro to UK members?
Yes. UK users can gift and receive Flickr Pro subscriptions. However, to disable SafeSearch, the recipient still needs to complete age verification through Stripe Identity.
Does this affect API use?
Yes. API search responses will be SafeSearch-only for UK members who haven't completed age verification.
I'm not in the UK. Why am I seeing this prompt?
If you're seeing the age verification prompt but aren't located in the UK, please contact Flickr Support for assistance.
Why doesn’t my debit card work for age verification?
Debit cards cannot be used for age verification because they can be issued to minors in the UK. You will need to use a credit card or complete verification through Stripe Identity.
Why am I being asked to verify my UK business or organization account?
To comply with the UK Online Safety Act, Flickr requires age verification for UK account users who want to disable SafeSearch and access restricted content.
How do I verify the age of my UK business or organization?
Business or organizational accounts must complete age verification through an authorized individual representative (18+) using the same verification methods available to individual account holders.