Online pornography in the UK - statistics & facts
Porn consumption in the United Kingdom has been at the center of institutional discussions. Consumption trends have identified the leading platforms in the industry as among the top websites in the UK, with Pornhub.com counting over 50 million unique users from September to November 2023. Online pornography accessibility raises concerns: in 2022, 10 percent of respondents to a survey on adult content consumption reported they were between 12 and 13 years old when they first accessed this type of content online. Overall, only half of online users recalled being of legal age when first accessing pornographic content online.
For young people, accessing online sexual representations and adult material has become part of a shared online experience that encompasses all genders. In 2022, around 20 percent of male users aged between 16 and 21 reported a weekly frequency of watching online pornography, while 14 percent of female young users accessed online porn at the same rate.
Over eight in 10 UK internet users reported they had never been prompted with an age verification system when accessing adult sites. This identifies a blind spot among online adult entertainment providers, as it leaves room for minors to access such platforms. Despite the new regulations being expected as early as 2025, legislators appear unsure of what type of age verification solution industry providers should be subjected to. The challenge for the online porn industry will be adopting solutions to protect users’ privacy while maintaining their regular traffic output and revenue.
Towards a shared gendered experience?
Despite industry-leading platform Pornhub reporting the largest audience in May 2023, women and men were engaging with the adult websites at different rates: Pornhub audience reach among UK male users was at 26 percent, three times more than what was recorded among female users. Similarly, live performer platform Chaturbate reported a reach of four percent among women, while engagement stood at 14 percent for adult men.For young people, accessing online sexual representations and adult material has become part of a shared online experience that encompasses all genders. In 2022, around 20 percent of male users aged between 16 and 21 reported a weekly frequency of watching online pornography, while 14 percent of female young users accessed online porn at the same rate.
Half of UK users would leave a porn site when prompted with an age check
According to UK audiences, 55 percent would choose to leave the adult website prompting them with an age check. Whether for curiosity or personal exploration, approximately 50 percent of teenagers and young adults aged between 16 and 21 years reported actively looking for pornography online. However, almost the same number of young users reported they came across this type of content accidentally. The UK Online Safety Act proposed to better regulate access to online pornography to discourage underage consumption and reduce accidental exposition in children and teens, which are a vulnerable demographic group.Over eight in 10 UK internet users reported they had never been prompted with an age verification system when accessing adult sites. This identifies a blind spot among online adult entertainment providers, as it leaves room for minors to access such platforms. Despite the new regulations being expected as early as 2025, legislators appear unsure of what type of age verification solution industry providers should be subjected to. The challenge for the online porn industry will be adopting solutions to protect users’ privacy while maintaining their regular traffic output and revenue.
