UK Porn Sites Pledge Age Verification Before Ofcom Deadline

Published Date : 6/26/2025 

UK's leading adult content platforms, including Pornhub and YouPorn, have pledged to implement strict age verification measures by July 25, following pressure from Ofcom. The move aligns with the Online Safety Act and aims to protect minors from harmful online content. 

The UK's online regulator, Ofcom, has secured a major victory in its ongoing battle with adult content providers after several prominent websites agreed to introduce robust age verification systems. This development marks a significant step toward enforcing the Online Safety Act, which mandates stricter safeguards for minors accessing explicit material. n nAmong the platforms confirming compliance are Pornhub, the most visited adult site in the UK, along with BoyfriendTV, Cam4, RedTube, and YouPorn. These sites will adopt methods such as credit card checks, open banking, and facial age estimation to ensure users are of legal age. The July 25 deadline applies not only to dedicated adult content sites but also to social media, gaming, and search platforms that host explicit material. n nOfcom's efforts have been bolstered by the regulator's findings that 8% of children aged 8-14 in the UK access online pornography monthly. This data underscores the urgency of the measures, as the UK government aims to mirror real-world protections for minors, such as those for alcohol and gambling, in the digital space. n n 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: Why is the July 25 deadline important for UK porn sites?

A: The July 25 deadline is the final date for adult content platforms to implement age verification measures under the Online Safety Act. Failure to comply could result in fines or legal action, ensuring stricter protection for minors accessing explicit material.

Q: What age verification methods are being used by major sites?

A: Platforms are adopting methods like credit card checks, open banking, and facial age estimation. These technologies aim to confirm users are over 18 without compromising privacy for adult users.

Q: How is Ofcom enforcing compliance with the Online Safety Act?

A: Ofcom is conducting investigations into non-compliant platforms and has already launched probes under its super-complaints regime. The regulator is also monitoring social media, gaming, and search sites that host explicit content.

Q: What role do companies like Yoti and VerifyMy play in this process?

A: Yoti and VerifyMy provide privacy-preserving age verification solutions. They support platforms in meeting legal requirements while ensuring user data is protected, as highlighted by industry leaders like Julie Dawson and Lina Ghazal.

Q: What future measures might the UK government implement?

A: The government has indicated it may introduce additional measures to address gaps in the Online Safety Act. MP Feryal Clark emphasized that regulators are prepared to act if loopholes are identified, ensuring continuous improvement of online safety standards. 

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