Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, has announced it will allow some UK users back onto the site, specifically those using Apple devices with updated operating systems that include age verification measures. This partial reversal comes after Aylo withdrew from the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) age verification system, which it criticized as flawed and unfairly applied.
Aylo stated that the latest version of iOS and iPadOS introduces device-based age checks, which the company views as the most effective method for preventing minors from accessing explicit content. Alex Kekesi, head of community and brand at Aylo, welcomed eligible age-confirmed UK iOS users back to Pornhub, calling Apple's solution a major step towards global child protection.
Previously, Aylo reported a significant drop in UK traffic, exceeding 75%, following the introduction of more robust age checks under the OSA. Four months later, Aylo effectively barred new UK users, leading to visitors encountering "safe for work" content instead of explicit videos. Kekesi confirmed Aylo has been in communication with Ofcom, the regulator responsible for enforcing the OSA.
An Ofcom spokesperson indicated that the regulator will carefully scrutinize Aylo's changes, emphasizing that the responsibility for preventing children from accessing pornography rests firmly with the sites and apps themselves. Ofcom noted that while device-level checks can be implemented, services must demonstrate their high effectiveness and be prepared to provide detailed information upon request. Apple's age verification process for UK users involves checking account history, payment methods, or ID scanning, measures that Ofcom has praised for strengthening online child safety.