Snapchat admits age checks 'do not work' during grilling by MPs

Snapchat has admitted its age verification process “do not work” as it told MPs children under 13 are able to use the site.

Senior executives at the company said they felt a government-backed scheme was needed to properly enforce age limits online, as they appeared before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee Tuesday.

Stephen Collins, Snapchat’s Senior Director of International Public Policy, said the company was working on a new system with the government, but was unable to discuss the details as he had signed a non-disclosure agreement.

He said: “I think the most sustainable solution will be some kind of central verification system, which is already being discussed.

“The Home Secretary has tasked the Home Office and related to agencies to look into this.

“We are part of that working group, but I can’t give you the details of that as I am under an NDA.”

Snapchat’s admission over its age checks came after MP Ian Lucas signed up to the social media network during the hearing to demonstrate how easy it was to circumvent.

Mr Lucas said after being blocked from signing up with a 2008 birthday he was able to go straight back and create an account with an older date.

He said: “Your age verification system does not work for a popular way (via the app) of signing up to Snapchat, do you agree?”

Mr Collins responded: “On the initial sign-up, yes we agree.” He added that Snapchat monitored users' behaviour after they signed up to work out if they were underage.