In a significant shift in its accessibility, Pornhub has announced that it will restrict access for UK users starting from 2 February 2024. This change means only individuals who have previously registered for an account and completed the necessary age verification will be able to access the platform’s content. The move comes in response to what the company describes as the ineffective implementation of the Online Safety Act (OSA), which was intended to protect children from viewing adult material online.
Understanding the Changes
From 2 February, new users in the UK will find themselves unable to surf Pornhub without first signing up for an account and undergoing age verification. This restriction is a direct consequence of the company’s concerns about the OSA, which mandates that adult sites must implement age checks to prevent underage access.
According to Aylo, Pornhub’s parent company, the introduction of these regulations has already had a dramatic effect, resulting in a staggering 77% drop in traffic. This decline prompted Pornhub to reassess its position, leading to the decision to limit access to existing account holders only.
Alex Kekesi, the head of community and brand at Aylo, described this move as a “difficult decision” but felt it was necessary given the current landscape of online adult content. She lamented that while Pornhub complies with the law, many irresponsible sites remain easily accessible to children.
The Role of Regulators and Legislation
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has previously stated that stricter age verification processes have been successful in curbing children’s exposure to unsuitable material. However, Kekesi’s comments suggest a growing frustration with the law itself rather than the enforcement of it.
Solomon Friedman from Ethical Capital Partners, which owns Aylo, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that while Ofcom is working earnestly to enforce the law, the legislation is fundamentally flawed. He emphasised that despite the regulations, users can still find ways to access adult content online, rendering the age verification initiative ineffective.
The Path Forward
Both Kekesi and Friedman believe that a more efficient solution lies in the hands of device manufacturers like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. They argue that implementing controls at the device level would not only protect user privacy but also provide a more robust mechanism for preventing underage access to adult sites. As Friedman put it, “When access is controlled at the device level, it is efficient, it’s effective, it’s privacy-preserving.”
With these changes on the horizon, Pornhub remains the largest adult entertainment platform in the UK, as reported by web tracker Similarweb. However, its new restrictions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by adult websites in navigating regulatory landscapes while striving to keep their platforms safe and accessible.
Why it Matters
As Pornhub prepares to enforce these new restrictions, the discussion surrounding online safety and age verification is more relevant than ever. The implications of this decision extend beyond the realm of adult content, reflecting broader societal concerns about children’s safety in the digital age. As platforms adapt to legislative pressures, the balance between accessibility and protection will remain a contentious issue, shaping the future of online content consumption in the UK and beyond.
