Enforce robust age checks on UK porn sites to protect children from viewing it

Rejected 10 signatures

What the petition asks

1 in 5 children aged 11-13 and 1 in 3 15-year-olds in the UK view porn, often with no age verification in place. Early exposure can disrupt brain development, impair emotional regulation, and skew perceptions of relationships. This can have lasting effects on their social and emotional growth.

The Government must enforce legislation requiring adult websites to verify user age using ID or third-party systems. Stricter rules should prevent illegal content, with severe penalties for non-compliance. Regular audits and oversight are essential to ensure protection and accountability

Why it was rejected

The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.

All websites on which pornographic material can be found, including social media platforms, must introduce "robust" age-checking techniques such as demanding photo ID or running credit card checks for UK users by July.

Guidance issued by Ofcom has been made under the Online Safety Act (OSA), and is intended to prevent children from easily accessing pornography online.

Timeline

16 Jan 2025	Petition opened for signatures
10 Mar 2025	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 10

Status Rejected

Rejected 10 Mar 2025

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