You will have to show your ID to access adult material on the internet
A new law requiring strict age checks on pornographic websites will come into force on July 15, after numerous delays.
Originally planned for early last year, the government have been forced to put back the plans while the kinks were worked out. Despite the extra time to prepare, it is thought the vast majority of consumers are unaware of the change.
The Digital Economy Act 2017 will require the website itself to check the age of its users. If a company does not comply, they could be fined £250,000 or be blocked from the web.
This has led PornHub, RedTube and YouPorn owner MindGeek to develop their own software. Called AgeID, users will be required to prove their age, providing them with a unique account to input on adult websites.
Codes are also available to buy from PayPoint outlets or on the high street.
It won’t be free, however, as the Portes ID codes cost £4.99 per device, or £8.99 for multiple devices.
An alternative called 1Account is being set up for other websites, such as XHamster, and claims to be free with just a mobile phone number and email address required.
Exactly how users can verify their age may vary, with the options set to be available including SMS, credit card, passport, or driving licence.
In charge of enforcing the new law is the film regulator British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), who will determine what is classified as pornographic material and will effectively make it anything they consider rated “18”.
