Verifymy Appoints Steve Ball as Managing Director Amid Rising Online Safety Challenges

Online safety technology leader, Verifymy, has today announced the appointment of serial entrepreneur Steve Ball as its new Managing Director. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for internet safety.

The proliferation of illegal content on the internet means that young people now encounter content they would consider unsafe, age-restricted (18+) or illegal within 10 minutes of going online, and shockingly, almost one in ten young people have been exposed to illegal content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Legislators are reacting with a wave of new and upcoming regulation, including the UK’s much-vaunted Online Safety Act (OSA), for which platforms are expected to start to comply with its requirements from December 2024.

These sweeping regulations, combined with enhanced parental understanding around their children’s safety online — over three-quarters are aware that their kids have seen harmful or illegal content — have made the implementation of enhanced age assurance and content moderation technologies a non-negotiable. Verifymy is perfectly positioned to provide these companies with the tools they require to safeguard users online, as well as analyse and remove inappropriate, harmful or illegal content in real-time.

As Managing Director, Steve will fuel Verifymy’s continued product innovation and international expansion, with a particular focus on increasing the adoption of its innovative email address age assurance technology. This ground-breaking age estimation method is highly effective and frictionless, making it the perfect solution for a wide range of online service providers, particularly user-to-user services such as social media, the adult sector, online video gaming, and e-commerce marketplaces.

Ryan Shaw, Founder & CEO of Verifymy, commented: “We’ve built some of the most innovative and effective solutions in the age assurance, identity verification, content moderation and consent management space. Steve’s appointment represents a critical next step in driving the adoption of our solutions and continuing our vision to safeguard children and society online.

Steve will bring a wealth of knowledge to his new role as Managing Director. With his background in scaling technology businesses, he is well-positioned to guide the business through its next growth phase. With over a decade’s experience working in heavily regulated sectors, including digital identity and fintech, his expertise will help Verifymy with its mission-driven approach towards creating a safer internet for all.”

Steve Ball commented: “With new regulations, including the UK’s Online Safety Act, coming into force worldwide, 2025 will be a pivotal year for online safety. Online platforms face significant new challenges to ensure they are both safe—ensuring age-appropriate experiences for both adults and children—and compliant. I am delighted to be joining the Verifymy team, helping the business enhance its proposition of creating a safer online ecosystem and bringing its solutions to more customers globally.”