Starting 25 July, all UK-accessible pornographic websites must implement strong age verification measures like credit card checks, photo ID, or facial recognition.
This move, enforced by Ofcom under the Online Safety Act, aims to prevent minors from accessing adult content.
Websites that fail to comply face fines up to ยฃ18 million or 10% of global revenue. Platforms must also avoid promoting VPNs, which users may turn to in order to bypass restrictions.
While some major platforms like Pornhub and Reddit are introducing age checks, many users express privacy concerns.
Critics warn that requiring personal data, such as ID scans, could lead to data breaches and push users toward unregulated sites.
Experts acknowledge the age checks are effective but not foolproof, and VPN use is expected to rise.
