After UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) clamped down access to adult sites in February, Pornhub was out of reach for many. Now, there's a glimmer of hope for Apple users in the UK, as they regain access to the site thanks to a new verification system.
The OSA, aiming to protect minors, required age verification, leading to a significant drop in Pornhub's UK traffic – a whopping 77% decrease, according to its parent company, Aylo. The company criticized the act for not achieving its goal and inadvertently pushing traffic towards less regulated sites.
In a groundbreaking move, Apple's latest operating system update introduces device-based age checks for iPhones and iPads in the UK, marking what Alex Kekesi, Aylo's head of brand and community, calls a ‘major first step’ in global child protection.
“Starting today, Aylo is taking a measured step to restore access to Pornhub for eligible adult users in the UK who have confirmed their age through Apple’s UK age-verification process,” Kekesi announced.
Under the new system, eligible and age-verified users can once again enjoy the full adult experience Pornhub offers, moving beyond the previously limited ‘safe for work’ content.
Apple's age verification system, launched in March, involves a voluntary process where users verify their age through various methods such as account longevity, ID scanning, or payment information. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, praised this update as a significant win for child safety online.
The move by Apple to incorporate these safety settings aligns with the need to protect young internet users while allowing adults to responsibly access content. As more devices update to iOS 26.4, the expectation is for a smoother, safer online experience for all.