U.K. Delays Age-Verification System Until April

U.K. Delays Age-Verification System Until April

LONDON — U.K. Minister Margot James told members of Parliament today that the government, once again, must delay age verification for adult content.

James, according to reports, said that AV in the U.K. should be in force by mid April.  

Ministers earlier insisted that age checks would be up and running by the end of the year, but final legislation will only arrive in the House of Commons next month at the earliest, she said.

“We can expect [AV] to be in force by Easter of next year, and I make that timetable through the knowledge we have laid the necessary secondary legislation before Parliament,” James told a panel with Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee. “I am hopeful of getting a slot to debate it before the end of the year.

“We have always said that we will permit the industry three months of getting up to speed with the practicalities and delivering the age verification that they will be required by law to deliver. We have also had to establish with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which has become the regulator, and they have had to consult on the methods of age verification.

“So, it has taken longer than I would have liked but I would balance by a confidence that we have got it right.”

Once mandatory AV is up and running, adult websites will have to provide their own verification software, which will then have to meet standards and checks carried out by the BBFC. 

James — Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries — told the panel that the issues of social media had taken longer than hoped. She said a deadline to speed up the removal of “harmful content” on social media is among the legislative measures being considered by the government in a bid to protect young people. 

James warned there are some “gray areas” of what is deemed illegal content and what is not, which it is expected to be addressed in a white paper this winter.

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

Angie Faith's 'Blueprint' for Success

Angie Faith has two reasons to celebrate. First, the veterinarian just gave her Japanese Chin puppy, Cheeky, a clean bill of health after Cheeky unwisely ate a stray piece of Lego.

Cherie DeVille Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Cherie DeVille stars with 2024 XMAs Male Performer of the Year Zac Wild in the latest Brazzers scene, titled “Cock Support Line.”

Sara Jay, Dan Leal to Sponsor XBIZ Amsterdam Kick-Off Event

Sara Jay’s Wyde Syde Productions and Porno Dan Leal’s Market64 will co-sponsor the Bottoms Up Day Drinking kick-off event for XBIZ Amsterdam 2025 at Excalibur Café on Sept. 2, from 2-4 p.m. (CET).

Connie Perignon Fronts Latest From Brazzers VR

Connie Perignon stars in the latest release from Brazzers VR, titled "A Sugar Daddy’s Point of View."

Octokuro Leads Latest Release From Freeze

Octokuro stars with Sam Bourne in "A Dangerous Encounter" from Freeze.

Lauren Phillips Stars in Latest Episode of 'Mommy's Boy'

2024 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Lauren Phillips stars with Lawson Jones in the latest episode of Adult Time series “Mommy’s Boy,” titled “He Doesn't Know Me...But You Do.”

Mag Numb Makes Her Debuts for Parasited, Vampired

Mag Numb has made her Parasited and Vampired debuts in the latest Roberto Di Suna-helmed releases from the respective studios.

Equentus Media Names Livie Blainn Content Curator, Bree Austin COO

Equentus Media has named Livie Blainn as its new curator for content and marketing, and Bree Austin as its COO.

MsSexySaigon Makes Studio Debut in Latest From MYLF

Creator MsSexySaigon has made her studio debut in the latest scene from MYLF.

Peach Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Peach stars with husband Dan, Hollywood Cash, and Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Show More