Top UK Websites to Cease Operations on February 2
The adult entertainment industry in the UK is gearing up for significant changes on February 2, 2026. The Canadian firm Aylo, which operates major platforms such as Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, will restrict new UK users from accessing its websites. This decision comes in light of the Online Safety Act (OSA), which focuses on enhancing age verification for adult content.
Aylo’s Restrictions and Compliance
Beginning February 2, UK users will no longer be able to create new accounts on Aylo’s platforms. Existing users who have already completed age verification will continue to have access. This move aligns with broader efforts to protect minors from adult material online.
Overview of the Online Safety Act
The Online Safety Act was revised in July 2025 to impose tougher age verification requirements for adult websites. Despite these changes, nearly half of adult users reportedly visit unverified sites. A poll conducted by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation indicated that 45% of respondents, from a sample of 1,469, had circumvented age verification to avoid sharing personal data.
Concerns Addressed by Aylo
Alex Kekesi, Aylo’s vice president of brand and community, raised concerns about the effectiveness of the OSA. Kekesi suggested that the law could inadvertently compromise internet safety for both minors and adults. She warned that responsible platforms might unintentionally drive users to unregulated sites, increasing risks.
Changing User Behavior
With Aylo’s new restrictions in place, a disturbing trend is emerging. Users are increasingly turning to sites that lack proper age verification and moderation. This shift raises alarms regarding exposure to illegal content and overall safety.
Status of Age Verification Among Platforms
As of January 27, 2026, 68 out of the top 100 adult websites in the UK have integrated age verification measures. Nonetheless, many users are still searching for alternatives that do not impose these requirements.
Ofcom’s Role and Enforcement
Ofcom, the regulator overseeing the enforcement of the OSA, has mandated that service providers comply with age verification protocols or limit UK user access. Currently, the organization is investigating 80 websites that have not adhered to the new regulations, with potential financial penalties for those found in violation.
Conclusion
The impending changes, effective February 2, 2026, underscore ongoing challenges facing the adult entertainment sector in relation to the Online Safety Act. While initiatives have been introduced to safeguard online users, questions regarding their efficacy and unintended consequences remain a concern.
