UK age verification: How will it work for porn sites and when does it come into force?
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PornHub and other popular adult websites blocked access to their sites in large parts of the US after similar age verification rules were introduced. Visitors to websites hosting pornographic content will soon need to go through a “robust” age verification process after Ofcom announced new rules on Thursday designed to protect children online.
The new guidelines are part of the UK regulator’s enforcement of the Online Safety Act, which aims to prevent anyone underage from viewing adult content. It comes just weeks after two new states in the US introduced similar measures, resulting in a backlash from popular porn sites like Pornhub.
Ofcom claims that its approach is designed to be “flexible, tech-neutral and future-proof”, while also being highly effective and allowing space for innovation in age assurance. “Our approach also takes care to ensure that privacy rights are protected and that adults can still access legal pornography,” Ofcom said in a statement shared with The Independent.
“Our evidence suggests that the vast majority of adults (80 per cent) are broadly supportive of age assurance measures to prevent children from encountering online pornography.”. Any websites or platforms that allow pornography must introduce effective age assurance processes, or else risk fines or other enforcement action from Ofcom.
Age checks could involve users providing a government-approved photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Sites could also use facial age estimation technology or credit card checks. Other methods might involve a user having their bank or mobile network confirm that they are over the age of 18.
