Unregulated Pornography Sites in the UK: Risks and Responses

Recent research by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation indicates that nearly 45% of UK pornography users have accessed unregulated websites since the implementation of mandatory age verification checks under the Online Safety Act. This legislation, which came into effect in July 2024, aimed to protect minors from harmful content but has inadvertently led some users to seek out riskier sites that may expose them to illegal material, including child sexual abuse content.

The Independent

The survey, which included over 3,700 participants, revealed that 39% of users who visited unregulated sites encountered content that made them uncomfortable, while 40% reported being deterred from returning to those sites. Notably, 30% of respondents expressed concern about their pornography consumption, with the highest levels of concern among young men aged 18 to 24, at 51%. Following the introduction of age verification, 47% of participants indicated they had reduced their pornography usage, and 55% stated that the new regulations prompted them to reconsider their habits.

The Independent

The enforcement of age verification has led to a significant decline in visits to popular adult websites. For instance, Pornhub experienced a drop from 11.3 million viewers in August 2024 to 9.8 million in the same month in 2025. Conversely, the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) surged, with daily users increasing from approximately 650,000 before the regulations to over 1.4 million shortly after. This trend suggests that many individuals are attempting to bypass the age checks, potentially exposing themselves to more harmful content.

The Independent

Dr. Alexandra Bailey, head of psychology at the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, emphasized the importance of age verification for child protection but acknowledged the unintended consequences of users turning to unregulated sites. She stated, “Even if you’re not looking for it, you could encounter [harmful material] - and that can have serious life-changing consequences.” The Foundation's efforts focus on addressing the risks associated with pornography consumption, particularly for those whose usage escalates into harmful behavior.

The Independent

Vicky Young, head of the charity’s Stop It Now UK and Ireland helpline, expressed concern that unregulated sites could serve as a gateway to illegal content. She noted that individuals often start with legal adult pornography, which can lead to increasingly extreme material and, ultimately, illegal images. This pattern highlights the need for ongoing support and intervention for those at risk.

The Independent

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation encourages individuals who are concerned about their own or others' pornography use to seek help. The Stop It Now helpline is available at 0808 1000 900, offering confidential support through various channels.

The Independent

• “Age verification is vital to protect children, and we fully support it. But we also need to recognise that some adults are choosing riskier sites to avoid age checks. These sites can expose people to harmful material, including illegal content depicting child sexual abuse. Even if you’re not looking for it, you could encounter it - and that can have serious life-changing consequences.” — Dr. Alexandra Bailey, Head of Psychology, Lucy Faithfull Foundation

The Independent