Watching porn in the UK is even more difficult

As of today, UK users will not be able to access porn sites without first showing a valid ID form.

The rule is designed to prevent children from being exposed to pornographic content.

These sites will authorize site access using open banking, photo ID matching, facial age estimation, mobile network operator age checks, email-based age estimation, or digital ID services.

Failure to do so could result in serious fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue.

There are an estimated 14 million porn viewers in the UK, many of whom expressed concerns about handing over personal information to porn sites.

According to the BBC, age verification companies (which may be hired) say users don’t have to worry about potential leaks of personal information because these companies do not retain data and they don’t know what a person has visited.

Ofcom has sent letters to “hundreds” of services, making it clear that “mandatory age checks” must be implemented.

“For too long, many online services that allow pornography and other harmful materials ignore the fact that children are getting services.

“They either don’t ask, or when they do, the inspection is minimal and easy to avoid.

“This means that companies treat all users effectively, as if they were adults, potentially exposing children to pornography and other types of harmful content. Today, that starts to change.”

The latest round of industry guidance includes new details before the implementation of the Online Security Act.