Pornhub's parent company Aylo is loosening restrictions on the site, making it accessible again to some UK users via Apple devices. The move comes after age verification rules under the Online Safety Act (OSA) were deemed too flawed by Pornhub, leading to a partial U-turn. Those with verified age confirmation through iOS can now re-enter the platform.

The company argues that device-level checks are the best method for preventing young people from accessing explicit content. However, critics are questioning whether this is just another form of tech monopolism in regulating what we can and cannot see online.

Since February 2025, access to Pornhub was restricted to those who had previously registered and confirmed their age on the site. This led to a significant drop in traffic from UK users, with some speculating that people may have resorted to using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) instead of being entirely cut off.

The Online Safety Act requires sites like Pornhub to implement stringent age verification procedures, but Aylo has complained about the uneven application and process. Ofcom, the regulator enforcing the OSA, remains vigilant, stating that responsibility lies with services like Pornhub to demonstrate their age check processes are highly effective.