Pornhub restricts UK access as age-verification rules under the Online Safety Act take effect

Pornhub has begun restricting access for UK users who have not verified their age, following the introduction of stricter age-verification requirements under the UK’s Online Safety Act. From 2 February, unverified users will be blocked entirely from accessing the site. The law, which came into force in July 2025, requires adult websites to implement robust age checks to prevent children from accessing explicit material. Pornhub’s parent company, Aylo, argues that the legislation is flawed because it can be easily bypassed using virtual private networks (VPNs), which mask a user’s location and allow access from outside the UK.

Aylo claims the new rules have reduced traffic to compliant sites while pushing users toward platforms that do not follow the law, potentially increasing exposure to illegal or harmful content. The company reported a significant drop in UK traffic after age checks were introduced, although regulator Ofcom estimates the decline was more moderate. VPN usage has increased since the law took effect, according to Ofcom, though child-safety groups say there is little evidence of a sharp rise in children using VPNs for the first time.

Some experts question Pornhub’s motivations, suggesting the move could be aimed at applying political pressure rather than protecting users. Legal scholars note that similar access blocks have been used by the company in several US states with age-verification laws. Aylo denies that the decision is intended to drive user sign-ups or publicity, stating instead that it prefers clearer, device-level age verification handled by companies like Apple or Google.

Despite the controversy, Ofcom reports that most major porn services in the UK have implemented age checks, covering the majority of visits to adult sites. The regulator continues to investigate and fine non-compliant companies. As debates over privacy, enforcement, and effectiveness continue, Pornhub’s decision highlights the broader global challenge of regulating online adult content while protecting children.