Starmer’s Safety Act Drives Tech Giant Away, Jeopardizes Child Security
Recent UK legislation has prompted significant changes in the adult entertainment industry, notably leading to Pornhub’s withdrawal from the market. Effective February 2, the platform will scale back its services in response to the government’s Online Safety Act (OSA).
Impact of the Online Safety Act
The OSA, revised in July 2022, sets stringent age verification protocols for adult content websites. This legislation aims to safeguard minors from accessing inappropriate material online. However, Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, has raised concerns that these new requirements could inadvertently expose children to more harmful content.
Compliance Challenges
Aylo faces significant hurdles in complying with the OSA. As of January 27, 2026, only 68 out of the top 100 adult websites in the UK have implemented age verification checks. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation reveals that 45% of respondents have sought age-insecure sites to avoid sharing personal information.
- 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 expressing concerns over the implications of the OSA. Solomon Friedman from Ethical Capital Partners criticized the law, claiming it inadvertently directs users towards less safe areas of the internet. Ofcom emphasized that adult platforms like Pornhub must either implement age verification or cease operations in the UK. The organization is also exploring device-level age assurance solutions to enhance user protection.
Currently, Ofcom is investigating over 80 pornographic websites for non-compliance with the OSA and may impose significant fines on those that violate its provisions.
Conclusion
The Online Safety Act aims to improve digital safety for children, but feedback from industry leaders indicates potential unintended consequences. These changes may increase minors’ access to unregulated content, exposing them to harmful materials. Ongoing dialogues between Aylo and regulatory bodies will be vital in addressing these challenges and ensuring the safety of children online.
