Death Stranding looks so realistic that people are using Sam’s face to bypass UK age restrictions

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In the UK, certain online platforms have implemented an age verification system. This means that access to mature content is blocked unless users can provide proof, usually through a photo, confirming their age.

There’s a varied response among UK citizens towards this change, as many find it inconvenient to verify their identity through Face ID whenever they wish to enter age-restricted online areas.

In a demonstration of dissent, individuals are discovering methods to outsmart facial recognition technology and access locations they desire, despite any age limitations.

Among various methods people have devised to circumvent it, the most unusual approach is employing the character Sam Porter Bridges from Death Stranding, portrayed by Norman Reedus, as a means to bypass it instead.

Norman Reedus’ face used to dupe facial recognition software

For individuals who are unaware of the method behind facial recognition and its application in restricting UK site access, it’s essentially used for age-restricted online entry points. This isn’t limited to websites, as it’s also necessary to verify identity before joining 18+ rated Discord server channels.

To prevent others from deceiving the software with photos of other people’s faces, users need to take selfies in various positions whenever prompted.

This mechanism effectively prevents users from finding ways around it, thanks to Hideo Kojima’s meticulously precise attention to detail. As a result, the facial expressions in Death Stranding appear incredibly lifelike and highly detailed, making them suitable for almost any use you can imagine.

Open Mouth.

— Oz (@Tired_and_Green) July 25, 2025

In the photo mode, users can strike various facial poses that offer a detailed, up-close view. This level of detail is usually sufficient to frequently deceive facial recognition software.

Or simply:

The photo mode enables users to take close-up photos with multiple facial expressions, often tricking facial recognition systems.

Although it was undoubtedly designed to captivate players with the intricate narrative of Death Stranding 2, the innovative technology developed by Kojima Studios has unexpectedly taken on a peculiar new purpose in this specific application.

It’s been tested and verified by users that it functions effectively with Death Stranding 1 and 2, as well as games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and WWE 2K25 that offer photo modes. It seems that the age verification system in the UK could benefit from some fine-tuning.

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2025-07-26 18:18