Users across Australia have lost access to several major adult websites after their parent company blocked local traffic in protest of the new age verification regulations.

The restrictions, which took effect in early March 2026, require websites hosting explicit material to implement strict systems confirming that visitors are at least 18 years old. Rather than adopt those measures, the company that operates some of the world’s largest pornography platforms chose to prevent Australian users from accessing its services.

The sites affected include Pornhub, RedTube, and YouPorn, all owned by the company Aylo.

Beginning in early March, Australian IP addresses were blocked from accessing the sites. Visitors attempting to enter the platforms were instead shown notices explaining that the service had been disabled in response to new regulatory requirements.

The move came days before the enforcement of Australia’s updated online safety codes issued by the country’s internet regulator, the Australian eSafety Commission.

Under the rules, platforms hosting adult content must adopt “age assurance” systems that verify users are adults. Acceptable methods include digital identity systems, credit card verification, or facial recognition technology.

Companies that fail to comply could face penalties reaching tens of millions of dollars per violation.

Australian officials said the regulations are designed to reduce the exposure of minors to explicit material online.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant compared the measures to age restrictions already applied in physical spaces.

“We don’t allow children to walk into bars or bottle shops, adult stores or casinos, but when it comes to online spaces there are no such safeguards,” Grant said when the rules were announced.

Research cited by the agency found that roughly one-third of Australian children aged 10 to 17 have encountered sexual images or videos online. More than 70 percent reported seeing violent or self-harm-related content on the internet.

The policy follows a broader push by Australia to regulate digital platforms. Three months earlier, the country approved legislation banning children under 16 from creating social media accounts.

Aylo said the age-verification requirements pose serious privacy risks to users.

In a statement explaining the block, the company argued that forcing visitors to submit identification or biometric data could expose highly sensitive personal information. The company also said such measures may not effectively stop minors from accessing explicit content.

According to the company, strict requirements often push users toward smaller, less-regulated sites that may not provide the same level of safety protections.

Australia’s approach mirrors similar policies introduced in other regions, including parts of Europe and several states in the United States.

Since the block took effect, technology analysts have reported a rise in downloads of virtual private network services, commonly known as VPNs. These tools allow users to mask their location by routing internet traffic through servers in other countries.

Using a VPN to access legal adult content is not illegal in Australia, though cybersecurity experts warn that free VPN services may expose users to hacking or data-collection risks.

Supporters of the new rules say they represent an important step toward protecting children from harmful online material.

Critics argue that the policy may ultimately prove ineffective if determined users bypass restrictions through VPNs or turn to less-regulated websites.

Researchers studying online media consumption among teenagers have also found mixed attitudes toward pornography. Some young people say it can provide information about sex and relationships, while others believe it promotes unrealistic expectations.