Pornhub will begin blocking new users in the UK who have not verified their age, starting February 2, 2026, following stricter enforcement of the country’s Online Safety Act.
The platform’s parent company, Aylo, says only users who have already completed age verification will be able to access the site. Anyone who has not verified their age will be locked out once the new restriction takes effect.
Pornhub previously introduced age verification in the UK, requiring users to prove they are over 18 using methods such as government-issued ID, credit cards, mobile network verification, or approved third-party services. These measures were implemented to comply with the Online Safety Act, which aims to prevent children from accessing harmful online content.
However, Aylo has strongly criticized the law, arguing that it threatens user privacy and fails to protect minors. The company claims that strict age-gating has pushed users toward less-regulated and potentially riskier parts of the internet, while increasing the collection of sensitive personal data.
Despite widespread criticism and reports that many users bypass age checks using tools like VPNs, the UK government continues to enforce the rules. Platforms across gaming, social media, and online communities have also been affected.
UK users who have already verified their age on Pornhub will still be able to log in and access the site after February 2, while all others will be blocked.
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