Pornhub has implemented stricter measures for UK users due to new legislation requiring age verification for adult content access.
The UK introduced the Online Safety Act in 2025, mandating age verification through third-party tools to enhance child safety online.
However, detractors argue that these regulations are ineffective in truly safeguarding children and may lead them to riskier online environments. Concerns have also been raised regarding the security of third-party ID verification tools.
Additionally, some fear these measures are a covert attempt to regulate internet freedom and monitor citizens’ online behavior, accusing the government of using child safety as a pretext to suppress criticism of the laws.
Pornhub has declared that starting February 2, UK users who haven’t verified their age will be unable to access the platform.
Pornhub has criticized the UK’s Online Safety Act, suggesting it fails to achieve its aim of child protection.
Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, reported a 77 percent traffic decline from the UK following the act’s enforcement, excluding VPN users.
Alex Kekesi, Aylo’s head of community and brand, stated to the BBC: “We’re going to further restrict our traffic, so if anything it’s a lovely gift to the abundance of other sites that are going to remain open and accessible that are continuing to not age verify in the UK.”
He further mentioned: “Our intention here is not to drive sign-ups.”
The UK government continues to support the legislation and is now considering restrictions on VPNs with ID verification.
VPNs, which can change a user’s perceived online location, have been employed to bypass age verification on adult sites since the act’s implementation.
Nonetheless, VPNs have broader applications beyond accessing adult content, such as securing personal data and providing safety for activists, whistleblowers, and journalists.
They are essential for individuals seeking to hold powerful entities accountable, and critics warn that limiting VPN use could have significant negative implications in the UK.