From February 2, Pornhub will block UK access for new users due to strict age verification laws under the Online Safety Act (OSA). Only existing account holders can view content, as Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, claims the legislation forces users to riskier sites.
Aylo reported a 77% traffic drop after the law change, criticizing the OSA for missing its protective goal. Despite this, Ofcom asserts the measures successfully shield minors. "Porn services must implement age checks or block UK access," stated an Ofcom spokesperson.
Alex Kekesi of Aylo called the decision difficult, highlighting persistent access to thousands of unregulated sites. While the OSA pushed for compliance, Kekesi argues VPNs allow both adults and children to bypass restrictions, undermining law effectiveness.
Solomon Friedman from Ethical Capital Partners blames the legislation over its enforcement, pointing out regulatory limitations. Emma Drake from Bird and Bird notes that while the determined seek alternatives, many minors are deterred by barriers.
Calls for device-level controls by giants like Apple and Microsoft are increasing. Cybersecurity expert Chelsea Jarvie advocates for layered protection, emphasizing no single measure suffices. Ofcom, however, continues to enforce the current rules.
As VPN downloads surged post-verification requirements, efforts in the House of Lords target restricting VPN access for children, underscoring the complexity of safeguarding online environments.
Friedman underlines the need for better legislative frameworks, highlighting that current policies cannot fully succeed in preventing underage access. Meanwhile, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology emphasizes the importance of robust age assurance in keeping adult content accessible while protecting minors.
Emma Drake suggests device-level barriers offer potential for future regulation, provided privacy concerns are addressed. Meanwhile, Ofcom encourages tech industry innovation to tackle age verification challenges effectively.
Debate continues on balancing access with safety, as stakeholders seek improved strategies to curb underage exposure without driving users to darker internet corners.
Key Takeaways
Pornhub restricts UK access due to age verification laws.
Critics claim regulations drive users to unregulated sites.
Device-level controls and VPN issues remain central to the debate.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2026-01-27
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