tech
Pornhub to stop new UK users accessing site from next week
Company cites impact of mandatory age checks introduced in summer 2025 under the Online Safety Act
TL;DR
- Pornhub, YouPorn, and RedTube will cease new user access in the UK from February 2nd.
- The decision is a response to mandatory age verification introduced under the Online Safety Act (OSA).
- Pornhub reported a 77% drop in UK traffic since age checks were enforced in July.
- The company argues the OSA has driven users to unregulated sites and jeopardized privacy.
- VPN usage to bypass restrictions has more than doubled since age checks were implemented.
- Ofcom asserts that age assurance rules are flexible and proportionate, with 68 of the top 100 UK porn sites complying.
- Ofcom has investigated over 80 porn sites and issued a £1 million fine for non-compliance.