UK to See Major Website Shutdowns Starting February 2

Significant changes are coming to adult websites in the UK as a major content provider announces a shutdown for new users. From February 2, 2024, Aylo, the parent company of popular sites like Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, will block UK users who have not verified their age. This decision follows challenges brought about by the government’s Online Safety Act (OSA).

Online Safety Act’s Impact

The OSA, introduced in July 2023, requires explicit age verification for accessing pornography to protect minors. However, Aylo claims this regulation has failed in its objectives. According to the company, the act has made the internet a more dangerous place for both minors and adults while compromising user privacy.

Aylo’s Withdrawal and Concerns

Aylo announced it would cease participation in the current regulatory environment, stating that it “jeopardises the privacy and personal data of UK citizens.” Alex Kekesi, Aylo’s vice president, expressed concerns over the ineffectiveness of the OSA.

• Aylo reports that 45% of adult users accessed sites without age checks since the OSA’s implementation.
• The company fears the OSA has pushed users toward unregulated, potentially harmful content.
• As of January 27, 2026, nearly 68 of the top 100 pornography services in the UK have complied with the age check regulations.

Regulatory Challenges

Kekesi criticized Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, for its daunting task of enforcing the OSA. She stated that despite the intention to protect children, the regulation has inadvertently funneled traffic away from compliant sites to higher-risk platforms lacking oversight.

Ofcom responded to these concerns by emphasizing the importance of age verification in adult services. A spokesperson noted that while compliance is necessary, the development of effective technological solutions at the device level should also be pursued by the industry.

1. Over 80 investigations into non-compliance have been launched by Ofcom.
2. A significant fine of £1 million was imposed on a non-compliant porn provider.

Looking Ahead

As Aylo prepares for this significant change on February 2, 2024, the ongoing debate surrounding the Online Safety Act highlights the complexities of safeguarding users in an increasingly digital world. The focal point remains on how the industry can adapt while ensuring the safety and privacy of all online users.