UK to Introduce ‘Porn Pass’ Access Code for Adult Sites

UK adults who want to view pornographic websites will soon need to buy a code at a newsagent to prove that they are over the age of 18 and are allowed to watch it.

The news comes prior to a new age verification law that is due to be introduced later this year.

An estimated 25 million Brits regularly visit adult websites. The 16-digital code (or “porn pass”) will be one option for them to prove they are not under age.

New regulations were due to come into force in April to try and prevent children accessing the content online, but the Government has pushed back the date in an attempt to ensure the system that was introduced would work.

Shopkeepers will ask to see documents, such as a driving license or a passport, before selling the card with the 16-digit online access code.

A recent report has shown that a total of 1.4 million children clicked on pornographic sites in a single month in 2015. Half of this figure were aged six to 14.

Alec Muffett, an internet security expert said: “This legislation is a digital white elephant. The kids will beat the technology, and adults could have their details hacked. Nobody is lined up to guarantee the trustworthiness of the companies which provide age verification and confirm someone’s age to a porn site.”

David Austin, BBFC chief executive, said age verification was “simpler than people think” and added: “People can expect to see a choice of age-verification options, typically from third party providers, so there’s no need to share any personal data with a pornography website.

“An adult website need only receive a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to confirm the results of the age check. There is no need for the age-verification provider to pass on any personal details to a pornographic website nor to store personal data.”

Read more here.