Award

Survey of age assurance circumvention by young people

DSIT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

19 Mar 2026 at 13:49

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process titled "Survey of age assurance circumvention by young people" was conducted by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Focused on the research and development services industry, this contract covers a geographical scope including the United Kingdom and various other territories. The completion stage has been reached following a selective procurement method through a call-off from a dynamic purchasing system. Key dates include the end of the tender period on 13th February 2026, the contract start on 9th March 2026, and its conclusion on 8th May 2026. An award of £49,500 GBP was made to BMG Research LTD, indicating the commitment to a focused study on age assurance circumvention methods.

This tender offers growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary community and social enterprises (VCSEs) specialising in research consultancy and related services, as the project aligns with the broader governmental directive of enhancing children's online safety measures. The awarded contract aims to inform future interventions and legislative improvements, making it particularly suited for organisations with expertise in digital safety, data analysis, and youth behavioural research. Enterprises capable of delivering insightful analysis and consultancy services that can influence policy direction will find potential for strategic growth and contributions to public safety advancements.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Survey of age assurance circumvention by young people

Notice Description

In July 2025 the Online Safety Act's Child Safety Duties came into force, requiring online services to implement highly effective age assurance measures to prevent children from accessing harmful or age-inappropriate content. These duties were a major milestone in the government's approach to improving children's online safety. Following implementation, Ofcom reported that UK daily active users of virtual private networks (VPN) apps temporarily doubled to around 1.5 million. Emerging research suggests that this spike in VPN usage was not primarily driven by child users. We are interested in exploring this further. Findings will inform government understanding, help shape future interventions and ensure the Act delivers its intended protections for children. To inform government understanding, we want to explore the impact of circumvention techniques and VPNs further. To better understand the prevalence and methods of age assurance circumvention among children, including the use of VPNs.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-b5c5dba0-9154-4fe4-b4f8-e916d7aade35
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b608a91c-e0a4-423c-bd18-b72837f11cba
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Dynamic
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a dynamic purchasing system
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£49,500 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£49,500 Under £100K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Mar 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
13 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Feb 20261 months ago
Contract Period
9 Mar 2026 - 8 May 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DSIT
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M3 5BS
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD34 Greater Manchester South West
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Salford
Electoral Ward
Blackfriars & Trinity
Westminster Constituency
Salford

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BMG RESEARCH

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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