Pornhub has announced it will restrict access for new users in the United Kingdom from next week, citing the enforcement of stricter age verification rules under the Online Safety Act. From 2 February, only users with existing, verified accounts will be able to access the platform.
A notice on Pornhub’s UK site asks users to verify their age in line with the Online Safety Act. (Source: BBC)
Access Restrictions Set to Begin on February 2
Pornhub confirmed that UK users attempting to access the site after 2 February will face restricted entry unless they already hold verified accounts. New visitors will no longer be able to view content once the change takes effect.
The same access limitations will apply to other adult websites operated by Aylo, including YouPorn and RedTube. Aylo is a Cyprus-based company that owns and manages the platforms.
The company stated that the decision followed months of operational challenges since age verification requirements were introduced. These rules became enforceable under the Online Safety Act during the summer of 2025.
Online Safety Act Drives Platform Decision
Aylo said recent updates to the Online Safety Act made compliance increasingly difficult for large, regulated adult platforms. The law requires pornographic websites to implement “highly effective” age checks for UK users.
Age assurance methods allowed under the Act include facial age estimation, government-issued identification, and payment card verification. Pornhub adopted age checks when the rules took effect.
According to Aylo, these measures failed to prevent underage access while discouraging adult users. The company said it decided to withdraw access for new UK users instead.
Sharp Traffic Decline Reported After Enforcement
Pornhub reported a sharp drop in UK traffic following the rollout of age verification checks. In October, the company said visitor numbers fell by 77 percent after enforcement began.
Ofcom data support a sustained decline in traffic. The regulator reported 9.8 million UK visits in August, down 1.5 million from the same period in 2024.
Traffic losses continued into late 2025, according to web analytics firm Similarweb. Despite the decline, Pornhub remains the most visited adult website in the UK.
Company Criticises Effectiveness of Current Rules
Aylo executives argued that the age verification framework did not meet its intended goal. Alex Kekesi, Aylo’s vice-president of brand and community, described the decision as difficult.
She said regulated platforms were being penalised while unregulated sites remained widely accessible. Kekesi added that new users would instead encounter a digital barrier.
In public statements shared on social media, Aylo claimed the rules diverted users toward riskier, unmoderated websites. The company said this increased exposure to unsafe content.
Regulator Maintains Position on Child Protection
Ofcom responded by restating its position on age verification enforcement. The regulator said pornographic services must either comply with the law or block access in the UK.
An Ofcom spokesperson said the rules were flexible and proportionate. The regulator added that widespread adoption showed the system was working as intended.
As of this week, Ofcom said 68 of the top 100 pornography services in the UK had implemented age checks. Investigations into more than 80 non-compliant sites are ongoing.
VPN Use Surges Following Restrictions
The introduction of age verification coincided with a sharp rise in VPN usage across the UK. VPNs allow users to disguise their location and bypass regional restrictions.
VPN use in the UK more than doubled after age verification rules were introduced on adult sites
Ofcom data showed VPN usage more than doubled after the rules took effect in July. User numbers peaked at over 1.4 million in mid-August before declining slightly.
Industry experts said VPNs remain an easy workaround for determined users. This trend has fueled debate about the overall effectiveness of site-level age controls.
Debate Grows Over Device-Level Controls
Aylo has repeatedly called for age controls to be implemented at the device level rather than individual websites. The company said this approach would offer better protection and privacy.
Solomon Friedman, head of Ethical Capital Partners, which owns Aylo, said device-based controls would be more efficient. He added that smartphone and operating system providers were better positioned.
Ofcom acknowledged that device-level solutions were possible. However, the regulator said its role was to enforce existing legislation rather than propose alternative frameworks.
Government Defends Online Safety Act Framework
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology defended the Online Safety Act following Aylo’s announcement. A spokesperson said the law does not prevent adults from accessing legal content.
The department said platforms only need to ensure children cannot access explicit material. Officials noted that multiple age assurance options are permitted under the Act.
Government representatives said services were not required to leave the UK market. They added that compliance remained achievable with appropriate safeguards in place.
Legal and Cybersecurity Experts Weigh In
Legal experts noted mixed outcomes from early research on age verification. Emma Drake, a partner at law firm Bird and Bird, said adult usage declined overall.
She added that reduced adult usage likely translated to fewer children accessing content. Drake said barriers on major platforms still prevented casual underage exposure.
Cybersecurity expert Dr Chelsea Jarvie said device-level controls alone would not solve the problem. She noted that layered approaches were necessary to limit circumvention methods.
Also Read: Hastie and Taylor Meet in Melbourne Amid Liberal Leadership Deadlock
Wider Policy Discussions Continue in Parliament
The surge in VPN use has prompted further political debate. Lawmakers recently passed an amendment seeking to restrict VPN access for children.
Peers in the House of Lords approved the measure as part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The proposal aims to close gaps created by circumvention tools.
As enforcement continues, Pornhub’s decision marks one of the most visible responses to the UK’s evolving online safety framework.
FAQs
- Why is Pornhub restricting access in the UK?
Pornhub is restricting access due to mandatory age verification rules under the UK Online Safety Act, which the company says are ineffective and difficult to enforce.
- When will Pornhub block access for new UK users?
The restrictions will take effect from 2 February, when new UK users will no longer be able to access the site.
- Will existing UK Pornhub users still have access?
Yes. Users who already have verified Pornhub accounts will continue to have access after the restrictions begin.
- Which other websites are affected by the UK restrictions?
Other adult platforms owned by Aylo, including YouPorn and RedTube, will also restrict access for new UK users.
- What age verification methods are required under the Online Safety Act?
The Act permits facial age estimation, government-issued identification checks, and payment card verification.
- How has the Online Safety Act affected Pornhub’s UK traffic?
Pornhub reported a 77% drop in UK traffic following the enforcement of age verification rules in summer 2025.
- What is Ofcom’s response to Pornhub’s decision?
Ofcom says adult sites must either comply with age verification requirements or block access, adding that the rules are working as intended.
- Why does Pornhub say age verification rules are not effective?
Aylo argues the rules redirect users to unregulated sites and increase VPN use rather than stopping underage access.
- Has VPN usage increased in the UK since age checks were introduced?
Yes. VPN usage more than doubled after the rules came into effect, according to regulator data.
- Is Pornhub permanently exiting the UK market?
No. Pornhub says it is not leaving the UK but limiting access for new users unless regulatory conditions change.
