U.K. ISPs Criticize Push to Make Users 'Opt In' for Porn

LONDON — U.K. Internet service providers have criticized a recent Online Safety Bill that would require people to choose to “opt in” and prove they are at least 18 years old to view adult content online.

While U.K.-based political observers believe the bill is unlikely to pass, the advent of the bill has put pressure on ISPs to take extra steps to shield underage viewers from sexually explicit content.

Claire Perry, a conservative member of Parliament, said she was not in favor of government regulation, but insisted that should the ISPs shirk their responsibility to self-monitor, "then we will have to step in".

A recent poll revealed that 35 percent of its participants were in favor of the Online Safety Bill. Last year the government rejected a proposed automatic block on Internet porn.

The four biggest ISPs in the U.K. — BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media — have collectively agreed to an updated code of practice to increase awareness of parental controls.

Supporters of the bill believe that the new code of practice will not be sufficient to prevent children from accessing adult content.

Critics of the legislation, including Baroness Howe who introduced the bill, worry that the opt in approach will dissuade users from accessing information pertaining to sexual health, abuse and sexual identity. Others have voiced concern that the adult industry will suffer financially.

"It seems to be recognizing the problem but not coming up with any real suggestions on how it's going to work," said Victor Charlton, spokesman for the ASACP.

"The industry is a money-making industry and anything that stops people [from] joining websites or paying by credit card for websites is going to hit their revenue stream."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

AI Erotic Storytelling Platform 'AIEroticSmut' Launches

AIEroticSmut.com, a DIY erotic storytelling platform, has officially launched.

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Show More