HUD is an adults-only service. To comply with applicable laws and protect young people, HUD verifies that all users are 18 years of age or older before they can access the app or associated services.
Different jurisdictions have specific legal frameworks requiring age-related safeguards for online services. Below, we describe the legal rationale for age verification in the United Kingdom and Australia, with links to official government sources.
The legal framework in the UK emphasises strong protections for children online, including requirements for age assurance and safeguarding.
Online Safety Act 2023
The UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 places duties on providers of “regulated services” to protect children from harmful content and interactions. It requires platforms to assess foreseeable risks to children and implement proportionate safety measures, including age verification for age-restricted services or content.
Official government source:
Online safety act 2023
Age-Appropriate Design Code (Children’s Code)
Under the UK data protection regime, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) publishes the Age-Appropriate Design Code, a statutory code of practice that requires digital services likely to be accessed by children to embed privacy and safety protections by design. The Code highlights the importance of effective age assurance and handling of children’s personal data.
Official regulator source:
Australia’s online safety legal framework includes explicit age-related requirements for digital platforms, particularly for social media and other interactive services.
Online Safety Act 2021
The Online Safety Act 2021 is Australia’s core federal legislation governing online safety. It protects children from harmful online experiences and empowers the eSafety Commissioner to regulate and enforce safety standards.
Official legislation source:
Online Safety Act 2021
Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025
Under the Online Safety Act, the Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms Rules 2025 define certain digital services as age-restricted social media platforms and require them to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from creating or continuing to hold accounts.
Official legislative instrument:
eSafety Commissioner Social Media Age Restriction Guidance
The eSafety Commissioner publishes official guidance explaining how age-restricted platforms must comply with the minimum age rules, including expectations for age assurance and compliance processes. As of December 10, 2025, platforms must take reasonable steps to block under-16 access.
Official regulator source:
Across these jurisdictions, laws and regulatory guidance reflect common public policy goals:
Verifying that users are 18 or older before they use HUD helps ensure compliance with these legal frameworks, reduces regulatory risk, and supports safer user experiences.
