Pornhub owner reverses age restrictions for some UK users
Aylo blocked access for most new UK visitors in February, following the rollout of the UK’s Online Safety Act
By Callum Wells
Pornhub is reopening access to some UK users after Apple introduced new age verification measures for iPhones and iPads.
The move marks the first time the adult platform has eased restrictions since February, when parent company Aylo blocked access for most new UK visitors following the rollout of stricter online safety rules under the UK’s Online Safety Act.
Under the changes announced this week, UK users running Apple’s latest iOS 26.4 or updated iPadOS software will once again be able to access Pornhub if they have completed Apple’s built-in age verification process.
“Today Aylo welcomes eligible age-confirmed UK iOS users back to Pornhub” – Aylo
Aylo said it had long supported device-based age checks over systems requiring users to upload identification directly to individual websites. The company has previously argued that broader operating system-level verification offers stronger privacy protections and is harder for underage users to bypass.
“With the release of iOS 26.4 Apple has introduced the world’s first ever device-based age verification solution for its users in the UK, a major first step towards a global solution that stands to better protect children everywhere,” said Alex Kekesi, Aylo’s vice president of brand and community.
“As a result, today Aylo welcomes eligible age-confirmed UK iOS users back to Pornhub.”
The company partially withdrew from the UK market earlier this year after criticising how the Online Safety Act had been implemented. From February onwards, only existing users who had already completed age verification could continue accessing Pornhub, while new visitors were instead shown non-explicit “safe for work” material.
How does Apple’s new UK age verification system work on iPhone and iPad?
Aylo said in January that the legislation had “failed to achieve its intended goal of protecting minors” and claimed the system had redirected users towards “darker, unregulated corners of the internet”.
The company also reported that UK traffic to Pornhub had fallen by more than 75% after stricter age checks were introduced in 2025, though some analysts suggested users may instead have been accessing the site through VPN services.
Apple first announced its UK age verification tools earlier this year. Users can confirm they are over 18 through a combination of account history, payment information or by scanning documents including passports and driving licences.
UK media regulator Ofcom said it remained in contact with Aylo and would continue assessing whether the updated approach complies with the Online Safety Act.