The old proverb “The more things change, the more they stay the same” seems to be a constant topic in the adult industry. On the topic of age verification and bureaucracy, it seems to be a never ending common thread in the adult industry.
So, we’ve been hearing about it for some time now but the UK government is once again pushing for stricter age verification across all websites that link to adult content and yes, this time they mean business. Under new guidelines published by Ofcom, any site accessible in the UK that “contains or facilitates access to pornography” must ensure visitors are 18+ using robust age verification systems.
And here’s the kicker: it’s not just sites that host explicit content. Apparently, even platforms that link to NSFW content including Linktree pages, creator portfolios, or directories could fall under this regulation. That means if your site, blog, or social bio links to your spicy content on Fansly, ManyVids, or OF, you’re on their radar.
Ridiculous, to say the least…
What’s Changing?
This age check requirement is part of the UK’s Online Safety Act, which empowers Ofcom to issue fines or even block non-compliant websites from UK users.
They’ve made it clear that social media bios and link hubs will be scrutinized. For example, a creator with an Instagram bio that links to a page connecting fans to adult content is now technically required to implement age verification before that link can be clicked.
And yes, platforms that don’t comply even those hosted outside the UK can be geo-blocked.
What Counts as “Age Verification”?
We’re not talking about a simple “Are you over 18?” button anymore. Ofcom wants third-party, privacy-compliant tools like:
- ID document scans
- Credit card authentication
- Mobile network age verification APIs
- Face-age AI (yes, that’s a thing)
Free tools that offer zero accountability won’t cut it. And using a generic pop-up might help for now, but it’s not a long-term shield.
What Adult Creators Are Saying
We reached out to several creators in the UK and EU for their thoughts:
“Honestly, it’s just another hoop. We’re already banned or shadowbanned everywhere, now we have to pay for an age gate to link to our own content?” – Sabrina, full-time clip artist
“If they block my domain, my income drops overnight. It’s scary how little protection there is for us legit creators.” – Jay, content creator and cam model
“I don’t even have nudity on my portfolio, just links. But apparently that’s enough to get me in trouble now.” – Lena, kink educator
There’s also concern from smaller creators and freelancers about the costs of these new tools. Some age verification plugins charge subscription fees, and others require pricey integrations.
In response to the UK’s Online Safety Act and new age verification requirements, Pornhub and other major adult sites under the Aylo umbrella (including Redtube and YouPorn) have begun blocking access to UK users. The move is in protest of the government’s mandate requiring users to verify their identity using passports, driving licenses, or biometric data.
Pornhub emphasized that while they support keeping minors off adult platforms, the current regulations pose serious risks to user privacy. They argue the government should adopt privacy-preserving verification methods like those used in Germany and France, which balance child safety with digital rights.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you run a personal website, Linktree-style hub, or adult creator directory, here’s your action plan:
- Play it safe and remove questionable links and NSFW content.
- Check if your domain gets UK traffic (via Google Analytics or your hosting provider).
- If you can afford it, use an age verification plugin ideally one that blocks UK users or gates links until verified.
- Wait it out – If you are outside the UK, just block the country until things play out. It will be a cluster f*** for quite some time. Add a geo-blocking plugin if you want to limit UK access entirely (not ideal, but safe).
- Monitor updates from Ofcom or follow Spicy Creators Magazine for future policy breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
This is yet another example of governments pushing adult creators out of the digital public square but forewarned is forearmed. If you run a spicy business online, compliance is key, not just for your safety, but to keep your hard-earned traffic flowing.
At Spicy Creators Magazine, we’ll continue keeping you informed about platform rules, policy shifts, and smart ways to grow your audience and income without getting deplatformed.
Stay spicy…
