In a bold move, Aylo – the parent company of Pornhub – has announced that starting February 2, UK users will face new restrictions on accessing the popular adult site. This decision comes as a response to the UK's Online Safety Act, which mandates age verification for adult content access. While those who have already verified their age will continue to enjoy the site, others will find themselves blocked unless they comply with the new regulations.
The Online Safety Act, which came into effect around six months ago, has prompted Aylo to take these measures. The act, aimed at protecting minors from adult content, requires websites to work with regulators like Ofcom to ensure compliance. Aylo's decision comes after identifying loopholes in the law, such as non-compliant sites and the use of VPNs to bypass restrictions. The company also noted a significant decrease in Pornhub's traffic in the UK – a staggering 77% drop reported last October.
“We've seen significant challenges with the current system, but we're committed to ensuring a safer online environment,” Aylo representatives stated during a press conference.
With the upcoming changes, any UK visitor who hasn't verified their age will be greeted with a notice instead of their favorite content. This is similar to measures already in place for users in France. However, Aylo's paid sites will remain accessible since credit card information serves as a proof of age. Advocating for device-level filters, Aylo has urged major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft to implement these measures.
Aylo has long championed device-level filters to restrict access to adult sites, and with the support of free speech experts, the company is pushing for broader implementation. These filters would block all sites registered as "Restricted to Adults," creating a safer browsing experience for minors.
As February 2 approaches, UK users are encouraged to verify their age to continue using Pornhub and its affiliate sites without interruption. The move underscores a significant shift towards enhanced online safety and compliance with regulatory standards.