It comes just weeks after two new states in the US introduced similar measures , resulting in a backlash from popular porn sites like Pornhub. Any websites or platforms that allow pornography must introduce effective age assurance processes, or else risk fines or other enforcement action from Ofcom. Sites could also use facial age estimation technology or credit card checks. Other methods might involve a user having their bank or mobile network confirm that they are over the age of The exact guidelines are still being decided, with the official guidance expected to be finalised within 12 months.
Previous efforts to agree on guidelines faced strong opposition among privacy advocates, resulting in the UK government scrapping them. Ofcom says that it will begin cracking down on adult paysites from this month, while content aggregators and user-generated platforms like PornHub and OnlyFans will have six months to comply.
This means people will begin to notice changes to the way they access paid-for pornographic content very soon, while changes to free services will come into effect at some point between now and July. Those companies that fail to meet these new requirements can expect to face enforcement action from Ofcom. Industry figures have broadly praised the adult website crackdown, with some even claiming that it is the biggest year for age verification in the UK since the intoxicating Liquor Act was passed in Depending on the type of age verification methods required to meet the new rules, some porn sites may decide to block their services in the UK.
The sites claimed that the laws requiring users to upload a government-approved ID violated user privacy and safety. The Independent has reached out to Aylo for comment on the latest Ofcom announcement.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter.
