Access to some of the world’s largest pornography platforms has dropped sharply in Britain following the introduction of strict new age verification rules, with Pornhub losing more than a million visits in the first two weeks of enforcement.
The measures, brought in by Ofcom on 25 July under the Online Safety Act, require all adult websites to verify the age of UK-based visitors before granting access. Officials say the policy is among the toughest online child-protection regimes globally.
To comply, users must prove they are over 18 by uploading identity documents, entering credit card details, or scanning their face with a camera. Data from digital analytics firm Similarweb shows Pornhub — the UK’s most-visited adult site — saw traffic fall 47% between 24 July and 8 August. Similar declines were reported for XVideos, while xHamster visits fell 39% over the same period.
Supporters argue the rules will safeguard minors from harmful content, while critics have raised concerns over privacy, data security, and potential impacts on internet freedom.
