Pornhub says it will block new UK users from February, arguing that the Online Safety Act’s age verification rules are ineffective and have sharply reduced site traffic.
Pornhub will restrict access to its website for UK users from 2 February, allowing only people with existing accounts to view content. The company blamed tougher age verification rules under the Online Safety Act, saying the requirements had led to a sharp fall in traffic.
Aylo, Pornhub’s parent company, said traffic dropped by 77% after the law took effect. “Our sites… will no longer be available in the UK to new users,” said Alex Kekesi, adding that the firm believes the legislation has “failed” to stop children accessing pornography.