Pornhub to become accessible again for some UK users

A new phase in the UK’s online age verification debate

Pornhub to become accessible again for some – The company that owns Pornhub, Aylo, has announced that it will restore access to the popular adult content platform for certain UK users. This decision follows a strategic shift by the firm, which had earlier imposed restrictions on most users in the UK under the Online Safety Act (OSA) age verification guidelines. While the initial move limited access, Aylo now acknowledges that the system can be adjusted to allow some users back onto the site, particularly those utilizing Apple’s updated iOS version.

Under the OSA, adult content providers are required to implement age verification processes to prevent minors from accessing explicit material. Aylo’s earlier actions in February restricted access to Pornhub, permitting only users who had already registered and verified their age. This was done to align with the new regulations, which mandate that platforms confirm the age of all users before granting them access to rated adult content. However, Aylo argued that the rules were not consistently applied across the industry, leading to what it described as a flawed system.

On Tuesday, Aylo revealed that Apple users who have verified their age through the latest iOS version will now be permitted to access Pornhub again. This is due to the updated iOS 26.4 introducing device-level age checks for UK iPhone and iPad users, which Apple has integrated into its operating systems. The change allows Aylo to reintroduce access for those who can prove their age via the device’s verification process, rather than relying solely on individual account checks. This marks a partial reversal of the earlier restrictions, which had left many UK users unable to engage with the platform without additional verification steps.

With the release of iOS 26.4, Apple has introduced the world’s first ever device-based age verification solution for its users in the UK, a major first step towards a global solution that stands to better protect children everywhere.

Aylo’s head of community and brand, Alex Kekesi, highlighted the significance of Apple’s updated system, stating that it offers a more streamlined and effective method for age verification. “As a result, today Aylo welcomes eligible age-confirmed UK iOS users back to Pornhub,” he said. This adjustment reflects the company’s confidence in the new system, which Apple claims reduces the burden on users by leveraging device data rather than requiring individual-level verification.

The partial U-turn is part of a broader pattern of how the OSA has reshaped access to adult content in the UK. In October 2025, Aylo reported a dramatic decline in UK traffic, with over 75% of users unable to access the site due to stricter age checks. This drop was attributed to the new rules, which required all users to confirm their age before viewing explicit material. While some analysts suggested users might have circumvented the restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs), Aylo maintained that the changes were necessary to comply with the law.

Following the October 2025 traffic slump, Aylo effectively barred new UK users from accessing Pornhub. This meant that individuals attempting to use the platform in the UK were shown ‘safe for work’ content instead of explicit videos. The decision created a dilemma for users who could not or did not want to verify their age through traditional methods, such as credit cards or government-issued identification. Aylo’s latest move aims to address this issue by leveraging Apple’s built-in verification system, which is seen as a more user-friendly alternative.

Ofcom’s role in the regulatory framework

Aylo has been in dialogue with the regulatory body Ofcom, which oversees the enforcement of the OSA. “We remain in close contact with Aylo, and will carefully scrutinise these changes,” said a spokesperson for Ofcom. The regulator emphasized that the responsibility for preventing children from accessing pornographic content lies with the platforms and apps, requiring them to demonstrate the effectiveness of their age verification systems. “Services can implement age checks at device account level, but they must be confident they can demonstrate to Ofcom their process is highly effective, and be ready to provide us with detailed information on this when we demand it,” the statement added.

Apple’s updates to its operating systems, introduced in March, have been pivotal in this shift. The changes now prompt UK users to complete age checks through Apple’s integrated system, which uses a combination of account history, payment information, and ID scans. These measures were initially praised by Ofcom as a “real win” for child safety online, as they provide a more automated and consistent way to verify users’ ages. However, some users expressed concerns about the difficulty of proving their age without a credit card or driver’s licence, prompting Apple to expand supported documents to include passports in the verification process.

Freedom of access versus child protection

Despite these adjustments, the debate over digital freedom and child safety continues. Campaign group Big Brother Watch has contested Apple’s measures, arguing that they impose a “chokehold on Britons’ freedom to search the internet.” Director Silkie Carlo highlighted in March that Apple’s blocking of content based on age verification creates a situation where millions of UK users are effectively restricted to a “child’s device,” limiting their ability to access adult material without additional hurdles.

Kekesi acknowledged the regulatory challenges but expressed optimism about the new approach. “We remain committed to the OSA’s goals of protecting children while ensuring that legitimate users can access the content they want,” he said. Aylo’s strategy now relies on Apple’s system to balance compliance with user convenience, a move that could set a precedent for other platforms navigating similar regulations.

The OSA’s influence on UK internet users is becoming increasingly evident. While Aylo’s decision to reintroduce access for Apple users is a step forward, it also underscores the complexities of implementing age verification across