The release of the long-awaited Porn Review, led by Baroness Gabby Bertin, marks a significant step toward better regulation of online pornography. This review presents 32 recommendations aimed at curbing harmful and illegal content, ensuring that online standards align more closely with those applied to offline media.
Having given evidence to the review panel regarding the technology that exists to moderate content and manage user consent, it’s pleasing to finally see progress in the right direction. As an age verification, content moderation and consent management provider, we understand the critical role that robust safety solutions can play in ensuring online safety.
Strengthening oversight and accountability
One of the review’s key proposals is the introduction of stricter oversight for adult content websites and social media platforms. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) could be tasked with auditing and certifying platforms that adhere to best practices, a major expansion from its current remit, which is limited to regulating physical media sold in sex shops. This move would enhance content scrutiny and help eliminate illegal or extreme material from online spaces.
Tackling harmful and non-consensual content
A major concern highlighted in the review is the prevalence of violent and degrading content, particularly material that normalises non-fatal strangulation, often referred to as ‘choking’. While this act is already a criminal offence when committed without consent, its portrayal in pornography remains legal. The report argues that such depictions contribute to real-world harm, necessitating stricter regulation to prevent their dissemination.
Additionally, the review calls for a crackdown on step-incest-related pornography, advocating for its removal from platform homepages and search results. The introduction of a ‘Safe Pornography Code’ aligned with BBFC standards would ensure that online platforms follow ethical guidelines, creating a safer environment for users.
Regulating AI-generated explicit content
The increasing prevalence of AI-generated pornography, including deepfake and nudification apps, poses serious ethical and legal challenges. The review recommends a ban on AI-powered tools that can create non-consensual explicit content, addressing concerns about privacy violations and the potential for misuse.
Strengthening age verification and compliance
Ministers are being urged to grant Ofcom the authority to prosecute platforms that fail to remove illegal or harmful content. The Online Safety Act (OSA), enacted in 2023, places a legal obligation on companies providing a wide range of online services to ensure the safety of their users, particularly children. To achieve this, the OSA emphasises robust age assurance measures, such as using an email address or ID scan for UK users to verify their age.
By July 2025, all services that allow pornography must implement a highly effective age assurance solution to protect children from accessing such content. This is the case for both services publishing their own pornographic content or allowing user-generated pornographic content. We recognise the importance of these measures in protecting minors while ensuring privacy and compliance.
Get in touch to understand how we can support your business and ensure compliance through highly effective age assurance.
Moving forward: Implementation is key
While the review offers a well-researched framework for change, its impact will depend on whether the government acts upon these recommendations. The new Labour administration faces mounting pressure to follow through on promises to address online harm, particularly regarding the protection of women and young people.
The UK has an opportunity to lead global efforts in regulating online pornography, much like its pioneering stance on deepfake laws. However, meaningful progress will require decisive action, political commitment and enforcement, and effective implementation. With millions of UK adults consuming online pornography, it is crucial to implement these regulations effectively to hold the industry accountable.
This review lays a strong foundation for reform. Now, it is up to policymakers to take the necessary steps to translate these recommendations into tangible outcomes. The responsibility to act is clear—will the government rise to the challenge?
