Starmer’s Safety Act Forces Tech Giant Out, Risks Children’s Security

Recent changes in UK legislation have prompted Pornhub to withdraw its services from the country. Starting February 2, the platform will operate minimally, citing the government’s Online Safety Act (OSA) as the primary reason for this decision.

Impact of the Online Safety Act

The OSA was revised in July 2022, setting strict age verification requirements for sites that host adult content. The aim of this legislation is to protect minors from accessing harmful material online. However, the parent company of Pornhub, Aylo, has expressed concerns that these new regulations may inadvertently expose children to even more dangerous content.

Compliance Challenges

Despite intentions to comply with the OSA, Aylo has encountered significant hurdles. As of January 27, 2026, only 68 out of the top 100 adult websites in the UK have successfully implemented age verification checks. A survey by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation revealed that 45% of participants have sought out age-insecure sites to avoid sharing personal details.

• Percentage of adult sites with age checks: 68% (as of Jan 27, 2026)
• Survey response on age-insecure sites: 45% of respondents

Industry Response

Industry experts are voicing concerns about the OSA’s implications. Solomon Friedman from Ethical Capital Partners criticized the law, claiming it directs both adults and children towards less safe corners of the internet. He stated, “This law is pushing both adults and children alike to the cesspools of the internet.”

Ofcom has stated that adult platforms like Pornhub face a choice: implement age verification or cease operations in the UK entirely. The organization encourages tech companies to seek device-level age assurance solutions that provide better protection for users. Currently, Ofcom is investigating over 80 pornographic websites for not complying with the OSA and may impose significant fines on those that violate the legislation.

Conclusion

The Online Safety Act intends to enhance online safety for children, but feedback from key industry figures suggests it may lead to unintended consequences. Increased access to unregulated content could expose minors to harmful materials. Ongoing discussions between Aylo and regulatory agencies will be crucial to addressing these issues and ensuring child safety in the digital environment.