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Survey Finds Nearly Half of UK Porn Users Turn to Unregulated Sites After Age Checks

Charities warn that riskier platforms expose users to harmful and illegal material.

Overview

  • Since July, 45% of surveyed adult porn users reported visiting websites without age checks to avoid sharing personal information.
  • Twenty-nine percent said they used a VPN to bypass verification on sites that require it.
  • Of those who visited unregulated sites, 39% encountered content that made them uncomfortable and 40% were deterred from returning.
  • Nearly 47% reported reducing their pornography use since the rules took effect, and 55% said the changes prompted them to reflect on their habits.
  • Ofcom has recorded a sharp fall in UK visits to major porn sites alongside a surge in VPN use, fined AVS Group £1m plus £50,000 for non‑compliance, and signaled it will escalate enforcement as the Internet Watch Foundation urges tougher laws.