From 2 February, Pornhub will implement a significant change for users in the United Kingdom, blocking all new registrations and access to its platform. This decision stems directly from the mandatory age verification requirements introduced under the Online Safety Act, which came into force in the summer of 2025.
Impact on Existing and New Users
Only individuals who have already completed the age verification process through their existing accounts will be permitted to continue using Pornhub's services. This policy shift also extends to other adult websites operated by the same parent company, Aylo, including YouPorn and RedTube. The move highlights a growing tension between regulatory compliance and user accessibility in the digital age.
Traffic Decline and Regulatory Backlash
Since the enforcement of age checks began in July 2025, Pornhub has reported a dramatic 77% reduction in traffic from the UK. Alex Kekesi, Vice-President of Brand and Community at Aylo, criticised the current framework, stating that it has inadvertently driven users towards unregulated and potentially dangerous corners of the internet. "Our sites, which host legal and regulated porn, will no longer be available in the UK to new users, but thousands of irresponsible porn sites will still be easy to access," Kekesi remarked.
She further emphasised concerns over privacy and data security, arguing that the system compromises the personal information of UK citizens while failing to achieve its intended protective goals.
Ofcom's Stance and Enforcement Actions
Ofcom, the communications regulator tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Online Safety Act, has maintained that age assurance measures are essential for safeguarding children from explicit content. A spokesperson for the regulator clarified that pornography providers have a clear choice: implement effective age checks or block access entirely. "There’s nothing to stop technology providers from developing solutions which work at the device level, and we would urge the industry to get on with that if they can evidence it is highly effective," the spokesperson stated.
To date, Ofcom has launched investigations into more than 80 non-compliant pornography sites and imposed a substantial £1 million fine on one provider. The regulator reports that 68 of the top 100 adult services in the UK have now deployed age verification systems, demonstrating a trend towards widespread adoption.
Rise in Circumvention and Unregulated Access
Concurrent with the decline in traffic to regulated sites like Pornhub, there has been a notable surge in the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass viewing restrictions. VPN usage more than doubled following the introduction of age checks, peaking at over 1.4 million users in mid-August before settling at around 900,000 by December. This trend underscores the challenges of enforcing digital regulations in an increasingly interconnected online environment.
Kekesi pointed out that effective enforcement of the Online Safety Act appears unfeasible, with circumvention methods becoming rampant and privacy concerns mounting. "Users are turning to sites that do not have uploader verification measures and do not moderate content, leading to an increased risk of exposure to dangerous or illegal content," he warned.
Broader Implications for Internet Safety
The ongoing dispute between Aylo and UK regulators raises critical questions about the balance between protecting vulnerable individuals and preserving digital freedoms. As Pornhub withdraws from the UK market for new users, the landscape of online pornography consumption is likely to shift, potentially exacerbating risks associated with unmoderated and illegal content.
Ofcom has committed to continuing its dialogue with Aylo to better understand the company's revised position and explore potential pathways forward. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for how age verification and internet safety are managed not only in the UK but globally.
