UK Age Check Law Seems to Be Hurting Sites That Comply, Helping Those That Don’t
UK regulators hoped the Online Safety Act would protect minors, but early reports suggest the opposite. The UK age check law seems to be hurting sites that comply, helping those that don’t, as traffic shifts toward platforms ignoring the rules. This surprising trend has sparked major debate about online safety, privacy, and the effectiveness of age verification policies.
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What the Law Requires
Under the new Online Safety Act, adult websites must verify users’ ages with strict checks. This includes face scans, driver’s license uploads, or other forms of government ID. Social platforms like Reddit and Bluesky are also rolling out verification measures to limit underage access to sensitive content.
The idea was to create safer online spaces. But instead, early data shows the law may be pushing people toward sites that refuse to comply.
The Data Behind the Trend
The Washington Post reviewed Similarweb data for the UK’s top 90 adult sites. Out of these, 14 do not perform any age verification checks. Surprisingly, all 14 reported a significant traffic increase since enforcement began.
Meanwhile, compliant platforms have seen major declines in their UK user base. This confirms that the UK age check law seems to be hurting sites that comply, helping those that don’t, creating an uneven playing field online.
Why Non-Compliant Sites Are Winning
Many users are reluctant to hand over sensitive personal information such as IDs or face scans. Privacy concerns are driving people toward less secure, non-compliant platforms. This trend highlights how regulations, when poorly enforced, can backfire by incentivizing unsafe behavior.
Experts warn that minors could also exploit these loopholes, making the law ineffective at protecting the very group it was designed for.
Growing Backlash and Concerns
Privacy advocates argue that requiring ID uploads increases risks of identity theft and data breaches. At the same time, parents and child-safety groups worry that the law isn’t delivering on its promises.
Lawmakers now face mounting pressure to refine or rethink the rules, especially as evidence grows that the UK age check law seems to be hurting sites that comply, helping those that don’t.
What’s Next for Online Safety in the UK
Regulators may need to develop new strategies that balance safety and privacy. Stronger global cooperation, smarter age-verification tools, and better enforcement could help level the playing field. Until then, compliant sites will likely continue to struggle while non-compliant platforms thrive.
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