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Why France Is No Longer Allowing Pornhub | Adult Content Compliance

Posted on by admin@18verified

Why France Is No Longer Allowing Pornhub: Age Verification, Censorship, and Legal Crackdowns

Keywords: France bans Pornhub, age verification laws France, Pornhub blocked France, French adult content regulation, online pornography restrictions, adult site compliance France, Pornhub legal issues, 18+ content laws, AV regulation France, adult websites France

In 2024, France made global headlines by blocking Pornhub, one of the world’s largest adult content platforms, from being accessible within its borders. This bold move wasn’t about moral panic—it was the direct result of France’s tightening regulations around online safety, age verification, and data privacy. But why exactly is Pornhub no longer allowed in France? And what does it mean for adult websites, content creators, and users in the region?

The Core Issue: Age Verification Laws in France

At the heart of France’s decision is the age verification law introduced to ensure that minors are not exposed to adult content. The French government, led by ARCOM (France’s media regulatory authority), demanded that all pornographic websites implement robust age verification systems. These must go beyond basic checkbox disclaimers and implement technological solutions that confirm users are 18+—such as ID verification or secure payment authorization.

Pornhub, along with several other major adult platforms, refused to comply with the extent of the age verification requirements demanded by the French government. As a result, courts ordered ISPs in France to block access to these websites entirely.

Why Was Pornhub Blocked?

The French court ruled that Pornhub failed to implement effective age-gating technology, violating Article 227-24 of the French Penal Code. The law requires any publisher of pornographic content to “prevent minors from accessing it.” Since Pornhub did not comply, ARCOM pushed for enforcement action, and ISPs were required to cut off public access.

This isn’t a temporary measure. Unless Pornhub meets France’s AV compliance standards, the ban will remain in place indefinitely. Similar bans have affected other major sites like Stripchat and XVideos.

Impact on Adult Sites and Content Creators

This sets a major precedent for adult websites operating in France. Any site hosting or monetizing 18+ content must now integrate government-compliant age verification systems. Failure to do so risks:

  • Immediate ISP-level blocking
  • Legal liability under French law
  • Revenue loss from the French market
  • Damage to reputation and SEO rankings

For content creators using platforms like Pornhub, this means losing access to a large European audience unless the platform complies or an alternative AV-compliant site is used.

SEO and Visibility Impacts for Adult Platforms

In addition to ISP blocking, non-compliant sites are also being deranked by search engines within France. Google, under increasing regulatory pressure, may begin demoting or removing links to non-age-verified adult websites—a death sentence for traffic.

To stay visible, adult websites need to implement legal age verification solutions that meet French standards. This includes third-party AV providers, subscription paywalls, or government-backed ID checks.

The Rise of Compliant Alternatives

With Pornhub blocked, many users and creators are migrating to platforms that have adopted France-approved AV systems. Services like 18Verified offer a global compliance gateway for age-restricted websites. They allow one-time ID or credit card verification and provide legal access across all participating sites—making them attractive for both users and adult platforms.

Platforms that prioritize compliance, privacy, and usability are emerging as the winners in this new landscape.

Conclusion: What This Means for the Future of Adult Content in France

France’s block on Pornhub is a warning to adult content publishers everywhere: regulations are tightening, and compliance is no longer optional. Countries around the world—including the UK, Australia, and parts of the U.S.—are watching and preparing similar laws.

If you run an adult website, now is the time to act. Implementing robust, privacy-focused age verification is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s a survival requirement.

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Age Verification Laws in the UK: What Businesses Need to Know (And How 18Verified Helps You Comply)

Posted on by admin@18verified

As the UK’s Online Safety Act comes into full force, the landscape for websites providing adult content, gambling, vaping, CBD products, and other age-restricted services is shifting dramatically. With strict age verification requirements effective from 25 July, businesses must urgently review compliance strategies or risk substantial penalties.

In this blog, we’ll clarify exactly what these age verification laws require, why they matter to your business, and how 18Verified simplifies compliance, saves money, and safeguards user privacy.

Understanding the UK Age Verification Laws

The Online Safety Act mandates that websites hosting adult content or selling age-restricted products must verify every user’s age rigorously. Ofcom—the UK’s digital media regulator—clearly states that this verification must go beyond a simple checkbox.

Specifically, websites must:

  • Ensure users accessing explicit content or age-restricted services are verified as 18 or older.

  • Implement “robust” age assurance methods to prevent underage access.

  • Adhere to strict privacy and data protection standards to safeguard users’ personal information.

Failing to comply can lead to severe consequences, including fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global annual turnover—whichever is greater.

Key keywords: UK Age Verification Laws, Online Safety Act, age-restricted websites, age verification compliance.

 

 

Why These Laws Matter to Your Business

Compliance is non-negotiable. Apart from avoiding steep penalties, being age-compliant builds user trust, protects your brand reputation, and ensures you stay operational without regulatory disruptions.

For websites operating in sensitive sectors—adult content, vaping, gambling, and CBD—the reputational cost of non-compliance can also be devastating. Customers today demand transparency, secure data handling, and ethical business practices. Strong age verification measures demonstrate your commitment to these principles.

Key keywords: age verification compliance UK, penalties for non-compliance, age verification for adult websites.

The Challenges of Traditional Age Verification Solutions

While compliance is essential, traditional age verification solutions often present problems:

  • High Costs: Many verification platforms charge per verification, creating unpredictable and spiralling costs.

  • Privacy Concerns: Users worry about their personal information being stored, tracked, or leaked.

  • User Experience Issues: Lengthy or intrusive verification processes discourage visitors and reduce conversions.

Key keywords: traditional age verification issues, verification cost comparison, privacy concerns in age verification.

Introducing 18Verified: Your Best Solution for UK Age Verification

18Verified is changing the game, offering businesses a smarter, safer, and more cost-effective compliance strategy. Here’s why businesses across the UK are choosing 18Verified:

1. Cost-Effective Subscription Model

Unlike traditional pay-per-check systems, 18Verified uses a simple subscription model, transferring verification costs away from businesses and directly to the user. Users pay a low monthly fee (£2 per month) and verify once to access any participating website—creating a frictionless user experience.

2. Seamless Integration (Plug & Play or API)

18Verified offers two easy integration options:

  • Plug & Play: Ideal for smaller businesses, this solution integrates in minutes—no tech experience required.

  • API Integration: Perfect for larger websites, providing maximum flexibility and robust backend compatibility.

3. Strong Privacy Commitment

User privacy is at the core of 18Verified’s approach. We don’t store or track browsing history, site visits, or sensitive personal details. Verification methods—such as credit card checks or photo ID matching—only confirm age without revealing sensitive information to websites.

4. Full Compliance with Ofcom Regulations

18Verified’s solutions fully align with Ofcom’s guidelines and the broader Online Safety Act, providing peace of mind and guaranteed compliance.

Key keywords: 18Verified, age verification service UK, plug and play age verification, privacy-focused age checks.

How 18Verified’s Age Verification Methods Work

18Verified offers users flexible verification options, all secure and fully compliant with UK regulations:

  • Credit Card Verification: Confirms age through secure, minimal interactions, without processing payments.

  • Photo ID Matching: Quick identity checks using a secure selfie and ID upload, swiftly confirming age without extensive data retention.

  • Email-based Checks and Digital ID: Advanced digital identity methods that securely validate age without intrusive practices.

These methods deliver robust verification without compromising user experience or privacy.

Key keywords: credit card age checks, photo ID verification, digital identity verification UK.

Conclusion: Get Compliant Quickly with 18Verified

With the 25 July compliance deadline fast approaching, the urgency to implement robust age verification is clear. Choosing 18Verified is more than just ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring your business is future-proofed, compliant, and respected by your customers.

Don’t risk penalties or reputation damage. Secure compliance quickly, simply, and affordably with 18Verified—the UK’s leading subscription-based age verification provider.

Get started with 18Verified now!

How Age Verification Laws Vary Across the United States

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How Age Verification Laws Vary Across the United States—and What It Means for Your Website in 2025

When people think of “U.S. law,” they often assume a single federal standard. In reality, age-verification rules are a patchwork of state-by-state mandates that shift depending on the type of content or product you offer—pornography, cannabis, gambling, vapes, even social-media access. If you operate nationally, you can’t rely on one policy and hope for the best; you need a flexible solution that adapts to each jurisdiction.

Below is a tour of the most important differences, plus practical tips on staying compliant with 18Verified—the subscription-based gateway that keeps every click on the right side of state lines.

1. Adult-Content “Porn Pass” Laws: Six States, Six Flavours of Enforcement

State Core Requirement Notable Twist
Louisiana Act 440 forces “reasonable age verification” (ID or government-approved app) Allows private civil lawsuits against non-compliant sites
Utah SB 287 requires age verification and allows users to sue High statutory damages: $150,000 per violation
Arkansas Act 612 mandates ID checks for sites with ≥25% adult content Major platforms blocked access in response
Texas HB 1181 requires ID checks and warning notices Fines and potential criminal penalties for non-compliance
Virginia SB 1515 creates a civil cause of action Early adopter of the civil liability model
West Virginia Pending SB 633 seeks biometric + ID scan Would be the strictest law yet if passed

Take-away: No two laws read the same. That’s why 18Verified dynamically adjusts to each state using geo-aware logic and ensures you’re always compliant—automatically.

2. Online Gambling & Sports Betting: From “In-Person First” to Fully Remote

  • Nevada: Requires in-person registration plus ongoing geolocation and ID checks.
  • New Jersey: Allows full online registration but requires KYC/AML checks and auto-logouts.
  • Delaware: Requires ID verification for real-money gambling accounts.

Take-away: Verification requirements vary by state and product. With 18Verified, you can adjust verification flows automatically without needing to recode for each state.

3. Cannabis & CBD: ID-Scanning Mandates vs. Visual Checks

State Minimum Age Verification Tech Requirement
Illinois 21 Mandatory electronic ID scan At point of sale; data retention requires consent
California 21 Visual inspection No statewide digital scan mandate

Take-away: One chain selling in multiple states needs hybrid systems. 18Verified handles both scan-based and visual-only workflows via its smart interface.

4. Vapes & Tobacco: Federal Baseline, Local Overlays

The PACT Act requires age verification for all vape shipments. But:

  • 15+ states require ID scan upon delivery.
  • California’s SB-1230 increases penalties for sellers without digital age checks.

Take-away: From checkout to shipping label, 18Verified integrates age checks where they’re legally required, reducing your risk across state and federal levels.

5. Social Media & General Platforms: A New Frontier

Several states (e.g., Mississippi, Utah, Arkansas, Florida) are enforcing age-verification requirements for social platforms, especially for users under 18.

Take-away: Even non-explicit platforms may now require age checks. 18Verified offers simple credit card or ID verification embeds to meet these new standards without disrupting your UX.

6. Why a One-Size-Fits-All Plugin Fails—and How 18Verified Solves It

  • Unlimited Verifications: No pay-per-check fees—flat business pricing, user-funded model.
  • Privacy-First: No face scans. No browsing history tracking.
  • Audit Trail: Full logs of which method was used, per state.
  • Future-Proof: Laws change—we update; your site doesn’t need to.

SEO Strategy: Capture State-Specific Traffic

Optimise your website with high-intent phrases like:

  • “Texas porn ID law”
  • “Illinois cannabis ID scan”
  • “Do I need age verification in California?”
  • “PACT Act vape shipping rules”

18Verified helps your site rank—and stay compliant—at the same time.

Ready to Simplify Multi-State Compliance?

If you run a vape store, adult website, gambling platform, or any age-restricted service in the U.S., 18Verified protects your business with state-aware, unlimited verification workflows.

👉 Book a demo at 18Verified.com and stay compliant across all 50 states—without the stress.

Why U.S. Websites Need a Robust Age Verification Gateway

Posted on by admin@18verified

Why U.S. Websites Need a Robust Age Verification Gateway – And Why 18Verified Is the Best Choice

As online regulation continues to tighten across the globe, age verification has become a legal requirement in many industries. In the United States, various federal and state laws now mandate that businesses offering adult content, restricted products, or age-sensitive services implement robust age verification systems to protect minors and ensure legal compliance. Whether you operate a vape store, adult entertainment site, gambling platform, or cannabis-related business, you need to take age verification seriously.

In this blog, we’ll break down which industries are affected, what the legal expectations are, and why 18Verified is the smartest, most cost-effective choice for businesses looking to stay compliant without breaking the bank.

🔒 Why Age Verification Matters More Than Ever

With increased pressure from lawmakers, regulators, and parents, digital platforms are now expected to do more to shield minors from inappropriate or harmful content. In the U.S., while there is no single national age verification law, many states have already introduced or are considering legislation that requires online businesses to implement stricter age-gating procedures.

Old-school methods like a simple checkbox or a “Yes, I’m over 18” pop-up are no longer considered acceptable. Businesses are now expected to use “reasonable age verification” methods, which usually means requiring users to provide either:

  • A valid credit card
  • A government-issued photo ID
  • Or a third-party verification service like 18Verified

Failure to do so can result in legal action, fines, or even platform takedowns.

🚨 Which U.S. Websites Need Age Verification?

1. Adult Entertainment Websites

From video platforms to cam sites and escort directories, adult websites must verify that users are over the age of 18. Several states, including Utah, Louisiana, and Texas, have passed legislation mandating strict age verification for adult content. Courts are now siding with regulators, and platforms that fail to comply risk being blocked or sued.

18Verified offers adult sites a legal, secure, and privacy-first solution to meet these state-level compliance requirements with ease.

2. Vape and E-Cigarette Retailers

Online vape stores must ensure their customers are over 21 in most U.S. states. The Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act (PACT Act) already requires online sellers to verify age both at checkout and upon delivery.

By integrating 18Verified, vape websites can easily verify customer age before allowing access to product listings, helping avoid hefty fines and chargeback fraud.

3. Cannabis and CBD Businesses

Cannabis and CBD products are legal in many U.S. states, but access is heavily restricted by age. Some states require buyers to be 21+, others 18+. Selling these products online without verifying customer age can result in license revocation or criminal penalties.

18Verified helps cannabis brands avoid non-compliance by introducing a seamless, fast age gate powered by credit card or ID verification, without storing sensitive data.

4. Online Gambling & Sports Betting Platforms

Gambling and sports betting sites are heavily regulated, and operators must verify that users are of legal age (typically 18 or 21, depending on the state). States like New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania require licensees to prove they’ve implemented robust identity and age checks.

With 18Verified, gambling platforms can perform one-time verifications that meet regulatory standards, keeping them in good standing and trusted by users.

5. Adult Dating & Webcam Chat Apps

Apps that promote adult interaction, dating, or live chat services are under increased scrutiny. Whether you’re running a mature-themed dating app or a cam model platform, regulators expect you to keep underage users out.

18Verified gives users one secure verification and allows access across all participating platforms, making it perfect for companies that want both compliance and conversion.

✅ Why 18Verified Is the Best Solution

💰 Unlimited Verifications – One Flat Fee

No more paying for every visitor who clicks “verify.” With 18Verified, you pay a fixed annual fee starting from just $299/year, and you get unlimited verifications — no matter how much traffic you generate. This is a game-changer for businesses that don’t want their compliance costs to scale with their growth.

⚡ Fast & Easy Setup

We offer two simple integration options:

  • Plug & Play – drop-in code for most websites, no developer needed
  • API Access – fully customizable for advanced users

🔐 User Privacy Comes First

We don’t track browsing history. We don’t store sensitive documents. 18Verified verifies the user’s age — and nothing else. It’s designed to be compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection standards.

Users love it because it’s quick, private, and requires no repeated uploads. Businesses love it because it builds trust and avoids legal headaches.

🌐 One Login. Many Sites.

Once verified, users can access all participating 18Verified websites with a single login. This increases convenience, encourages customer retention, and removes friction from the user experience.

🧠 Why Subscription Models Work for Compliance

Subscription pricing isn’t just a business model — it’s a smarter way to stay legal.

  • You know your compliance costs upfront
  • You don’t pay for bounces or failed verifications
  • You can handle growth without worrying about rising costs
  • You avoid the “per-check” trap that punishes your success

It’s scalable, predictable, and fair — especially for small businesses who need to comply with the law but can’t afford thousands in verification fees.

💼 Who’s Already Using 18Verified?

We work with:

  • Escort directories
  • Adult creators
  • Vape & CBD eCommerce stores
  • Gambling affiliates
  • Adult dating apps
  • And more

They’ve chosen 18Verified because it’s easy to use, cost-effective, and built to meet real legal standards — not just checkboxes.

🔚 Final Thoughts

If your website or platform serves age-restricted content or products, ignoring the law isn’t an option. As legislation tightens across the United States, businesses need a reliable, legally-compliant age verification system that doesn’t destroy their margins or scare away users.

18Verified delivers everything you need:

  • ✅ Unlimited verifications
  • ✅ One flat annual fee
  • ✅ Fast setup
  • ✅ Complete legal compliance
  • ✅ User-first privacy and simplicity

Don’t wait for a lawsuit or platform takedown to act.

👉 Visit 18verified.com today to get started.

What Industries Are Affected by the New UK Age Verification Laws – And Why Compliance Is Essential

Posted on by admin@18verified

Starting 25th July 2025, the UK government will enforce strict new age verification regulations aimed at protecting children from harmful online content. These laws require websites offering age-restricted products or services to verify the age of their users before granting access. Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover.

But what exactly does this mean for your business? Below, we break down the industries most affected and why acting now is crucial.

1. Adult Content Websites

Any platform hosting or linking to sexually explicit content will be directly impacted. This includes pornography websites, erotic blogs, adult forums, and dating platforms with NSFW features. The law mandates that users must prove they are 18 or older before gaining access—cookie popups and disclaimers are no longer enough.

2. Vape & E-Cigarette Retailers

Online vape stores must implement robust age verification systems to prevent underage sales. Whether selling e-liquids, vape pens, or accessories, these businesses are legally required to confirm that customers are over 18 at point of access, not just at checkout.

3. Gambling & Betting Platforms

From sports betting sites to online casinos, gambling platforms have long been regulated—but the new laws go further. Age verification must now occur before any gameplay or deposit takes place, regardless of whether the user eventually places a bet.

4. CBD, Hemp & Cannabis Product Sites

CBD oil, edibles, and hemp products are increasingly popular, but they remain age-restricted in many regions. UK retailers selling these items online must ensure visitors are 18+ before they can browse product pages or make a purchase.

5. Firearm, Knife, and Hunting Equipment Retailers

Websites that sell hunting gear, knives, or firearm-related equipment must verify users’ age prior to access. This includes air rifles, archery supplies, and tactical gear. The regulations apply even if the products are intended for sport or display.

6. Escort & Adult Services Directories

Escort agencies and adult entertainment directories that advertise 18+ services are also required to verify user age. Simply placing a warning on the homepage is no longer acceptable under the new legislation.

Why Is Compliance So Important?

The UK government has made it clear that these new rules are not optional. Sites that fail to comply risk:

  • Being blocked by UK internet service providers
  • Fines up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover
  • Reputational damage and loss of consumer trust

These laws are designed to create a safer internet for everyone, particularly children. Businesses that comply early show leadership and a commitment to online safety.

How 18Verified Can Help

18Verified offers an affordable, privacy-focused age verification solution that keeps you compliant without sacrificing user experience. Our unique model charges the user £2/month for access to all participating sites, saving businesses thousands in pay-per-check fees.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get compliant now.

👉 Join 18Verified today and protect your business before the deadline hits.

Why Age Assurance Technology Is Key to Safety by Design | 18Verified

Posted on by admin@18verified

Why Age Assurance Technology Is Key to Safety by Design and Age-Appropriate Online Experiences

Published on 20 November, the UK Government’s Draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for Online Safety outlines its goals for creating safer digital environments. At the core of these priorities is age assurance technology—a key enabler of age-appropriate, privacy-first online experiences.

Understanding the Government’s Online Safety Priorities

  • Safety by Design: Build safer platforms by default, especially for children, and eliminate safe havens for illegal content such as abuse or disinformation.
  • Transparency & Accountability: Ensure tech companies are held responsible for their safety outcomes.
  • Agile Regulation: Monitor and tackle emerging threats like AI-generated content and fraud.
  • Inclusivity & Resilience: Promote digital literacy and social resilience against online harms.
  • Innovation: Encourage the growth of online safety technologies to protect users and promote digital trust.

The Role of Safety by Design

Safety by Design is a proactive framework that integrates safety features from the start of digital product development. However, designing effective safeguards depends on knowing the age of users. Without it, platforms can’t provide suitable protections for children, teens, or adults.

What Is Age Assurance?

Age assurance includes technologies that verify or estimate a user’s age to ensure access to age-appropriate content. These include:

  • AI-powered age estimation (facial or behavioural)
  • ID verification checks
  • Email-based age estimation

Unlike outdated self-declaration methods (“Are you 18+?”), modern age assurance is privacy-preserving, accurate, and designed to minimise friction for users.

How Age Assurance Supports Safer Online Experiences

1. Preventing Harmful Content Exposure

Platforms can restrict adult content, ads, and interactions for under-18s, shielding them from inappropriate material.

2. Tailored Experiences by Age

Children can access curated content and strict privacy controls, while teens may receive tools like reporting features or limited messaging options.

3. Empowering Parental Controls

Accurate age data enables effective parental oversight while supporting a child’s independence.

4. Legal Compliance

Regulations like the UK Online Safety Act and EU Digital Services Act require platforms to design with minors in mind. Age assurance is mandatory for regulatory compliance.

5. Building Trust and Transparency

With stronger protections, users and parents can trust platforms more, strengthening brand loyalty and industry credibility.

Balancing Safety with Privacy

Effective age assurance must respect user privacy. At 18Verified, our solutions include anonymised and GDPR-compliant tools like:

  • Email-based age estimation
  • Photo ID matching
  • Facial age estimation
  • Mobile network and credit card checks

The Future of Age Assurance Technology

As safety standards evolve, age assurance is becoming the digital default. Platforms that adopt these technologies now will stay ahead of compliance demands, avoid fines, and provide better user experiences.

Powered by AI and machine learning, tools like email-based age estimation are fast, frictionless, and preferred by users worldwide. With 99.94% of users having email access, it’s the most inclusive option on the market today.

Conclusion: Age Assurance Is a Digital Imperative

Age assurance technology isn’t just about compliance—it’s about responsibility. It’s the cornerstone of delivering age-appropriate, inclusive, and safe online spaces. As outlined in the Government’s strategy, platforms must act now to embed age assurance into their services by design.

At 18Verified, we help businesses implement highly effective age assurance systems that comply with UK regulations while protecting user privacy. Contact us today to learn more.

Ofcom Confirms Email-Based Age Estimation as a Compliant Solution for Pornography Sites Under the Online Safety Act

Posted on by admin@18verified

On 16 January 2025, Ofcom released its long-awaited official guidance on age assurance for adult content platforms under the UK Online Safety Act (OSA). The new rules require pornography sites—starting with platforms that publish their own content—to demonstrate they are protecting children from accessing explicit material online.

Crucially, the guidance confirms that users will not need to upload ID documents. Instead, Ofcom supports innovative age assurance methods such as email-based age estimation—a low-friction, privacy-first solution now recognised as fully compliant.

In this article, we break down the key takeaways from Ofcom’s announcement and explain why email-based age estimation, pioneered by 18Verified’s technology partner Verifymy, is the future of online compliance for adult content providers.

What Does the Online Safety Act Require?

The Online Safety Act (OSA) is a UK law that mandates all online services, including adult content platforms, to implement highly effective age assurance solutions to prevent children from accessing pornography.

The Two Service Categories

  • Part 5 Services: Platforms that publish their own pornographic content (e.g. studios, pay sites)
  • Part 3 Services: Sites that host user-generated adult content (e.g. tube sites, cam platforms, fan sites)

Key Compliance Deadlines

DateRequirement
January 2025Part 5 services must begin implementing highly effective age assurance. Part 3 services must assess children’s access risks.
April 2025Ofcom will publish the Protection of Children Codes and guidance.
July 2025All services must have a compliant age assurance system in place.

To enforce compliance, Ofcom has launched an Age Assurance Enforcement Programme, requiring all relevant providers to confirm their compliance status by 5 March 2025.

What Is “Highly Effective” Age Assurance?

To meet Ofcom’s standard, age assurance solutions must be:

  • Technically accurate
  • Robust
  • Reliable
  • Fair

Accepted methods include:

  • Email-based age estimation ✅
  • Facial age estimation
  • Mobile operator checks
  • Open banking
  • Photo ID checks
  • Digital identity services
  • Credit card checks

⚠️ Self-declaration is not accepted.

Why Email-Based Age Estimation Is a Game-Changer

Among the approved methods, email-based age estimation stands out for its accuracy, privacy, and low-friction implementation—making it ideal for adult content sites seeking high compliance and low user drop-off.

✅ Technically Accurate

  • Certified under PAS 1296:2018 to EAL 3
  • 0% false positives in ACCS EAL level 3 testing
  • Accurately identifies age using only an email address

✅ Robust

  • Anti-spoofing via One Time Password (OTP)
  • Users must verify ownership of the email

✅ Reliable

  • Uses third-party identity signals
  • Aligned with Ofcom’s reliability framework

✅ Fair & Inclusive

  • 99.94% of users have email access
  • Bias-free and accessible across all demographics

✅ Commercially Viable

  • 73% of users prefer email checks over ID scans
  • Seamless integration with minimal drop-off

Seamless Compliance Without Losing Conversions

Unlike traditional ID verification methods, email-based age estimation is:

  • Fast and unobtrusive
  • Compliant with Ofcom and OSA
  • Privacy-preserving
  • Ideal for platforms already collecting email addresses

At 18Verified, we offer this solution along with:

  • Facial age estimation
  • Photo ID matching
  • Credit card checks
  • Mobile operator lookups

👉 Explore our age assurance solutions

Ofcom’s Enforcement Is Real – Act Now

Ofcom is actively contacting pornography providers and expects full compliance declarations by 5 March 2025. Sanctions for non-compliance include:

  • Regulatory fines
  • Criminal penalties
  • Platform takedown orders

Now is the time to upgrade to a highly effective, low-friction age assurance solution.

A Message from Our Team

Lina Ghazal, Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs at Verifymy:

“As the Online Safety Act rolls out, 2025 must be a year where regulatory talk turns to action. Only effective implementation will drive real-world results.

At Verifymy, we are giving platforms the tools they need to meet regulatory requirements head-on—while protecting both children and adult users.”

Conclusion

The Online Safety Act is here—and Ofcom’s 2025 guidance makes it clear that adult platforms must act fast. With email-based age estimation, providers can meet all legal obligations without losing users, violating privacy, or disrupting revenue.

  • ✅ Fully compliant
  • ✅ Certified under PAS 1296
  • ✅ Preferred by users
  • ✅ Trusted by regulators

👉 Contact 18Verified today to stay ahead of regulation and protect your business.

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