Pornography websites will be required to introduce more robust age verification measures to ensure that users are over 18 years old, according to new guidance published by Ofcom, the UK regulator. The aim is to prevent children from accessing adult content by early 2025. Self-declaration of age and general disclaimers will no longer be considered sufficient. Instead, platforms may use methods such as photo ID matching, facial age estimation technology, or credit card scans. Sites that fail to comply with the new regulations may face enforcement action, including fines.

Tackling the issue of underage viewers

The new measures come in response to the passing of the Online Safety Bill, which introduced new regulations for social media and internet video content. The move is also a result of years of campaigning by cross-party MPs to address the issue of violence against women and girls depicted in explicit videos. Research by the Children's Commissioner for England has shown that the average age at which children first view porn is 13, with a significant number encountering it as young as 9 or 11. The aim of the new guidelines is to make pornography less accessible to children online.

Striking a balance between privacy and protection

While the stricter regulations have been welcomed by MPs, free speech campaigners have raised concerns about the potential threat to privacy. The Institute for Economic Affairs warns that the new rules could result in an increased amount of sensitive data held by third parties. However, Ofcom has assured that privacy rights and adults' access to legal porn will still be protected. All age assurance methods will be subject to the UK's privacy laws, enforced by the Information Commissioner's Office.