UK Adult Content Traffic Declines Following Identity Checks, But Virtual Private Network Use Surges, States Regulator

Access to adult content platforms in the United Kingdom has fallen significantly since the roll-out of age-checking measures this summer, according to the country's communications watchdog. Simultaneously, the use of specialist software designed to circumvent these restrictions has increased.

Sharp Drop in Visitor Numbers After Law Implementation

The introduction of age vetting on 25 July resulted in an prompt fall in visits to major pornography sites, such as the top provider in the UK. Data reveals that user traffic to this platform in August stood at 9.8 million, a decline of 1.5 million from the equivalent month in 2024.

Overall, traffic to the 10 most-visited pornography sites in the UK have now settled at a significantly reduced level than prior to the end-of-July implementation date. Subsequent data shows this slump in viewing persisted past August.

Surge in Virtual Private Network Adoption to Evade Checks

Reacting to the new rules, adoption of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)—which can get around geographic restrictions by routing connections through another country—more than doubled following 25 July.

User numbers peaked at over 1.4 million in the middle of August, rising from around 650,000 people before the checks began. However, the regulator stated that VPN usage has afterwards steadily declined, with latest numbers at approximately 900,000. It clarified that the volume of regular VPN use remains “much lower” than user numbers for adult services.

Young People Responding to Harmful Material

In other findings, the watchdog's annual study found that about 60% of teenagers aged 11 to 17 had taken action after seeing harmful content online. Steps taken included reporting the material to the platform to muting the user who posted it.

This research was conducted before new regulations came into force that require platforms to prevent children from accessing dangerous content, including material related to suicide and pornography. The primary way teenagers encountered such content was by looking through a platform feed, indicating that algorithms were showing harmful material.

Government Launch Examination of Pornography Legislation

In a related development, the ministers stated it would examine the legislation governing pornography to assess whether it is “fit for purpose” in the ever-developing digital age.

“The review will look into the effectiveness of the current law in regarding making illegal, for example, harmful portrayals of incest and any forms of pornography which promote child sexual abuse,” stated a justice minister.

Advocates Call For Tighter Digital Regulations

Campaigners for tighter control of adult content have urged the authorities to outlaw so-called “barely legal” material. This encompasses content featuring incest scenes or that encourages child sexual abuse by using young-looking adults dressed as children.

Proposed changes to government bills seek to:

• Prohibit pornography where performers are mimicking children, sometimes filmed in settings like children’s bedrooms.
• Broaden the offence of making an indecent image of a child to include material where an older performer acts the part of a child.
• Introduce tighter controls on incest-themed pornography, which studies indicates is heavily recommended by site systems.
• Add further controls on “nudification” technology, potentially making it an offence to own software designed to create private images without permission.
• Create a new, independent oversight agency to perform inspections on adult platforms and act on complaints of unlawful content.

The campaigners argue that these measures would ensure the protections that have existed for decades offline finally apply to the online sphere.