How to bypass xHamster verification in the UK in 2026 with a VPN

How to bypass xHamster verification in the UK in 2026 with a VPN?

xHamster now presents a hurdle to accessing adult content, requiring users to verify their age when accessing adult websites in the UK. This age check is put in place to shield children from mature content, but adult users are uneasy about the need to hand over personal identification documents to a porn site. A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is the most reliable way for adults to access xHamster in 2026, and it can completely bypass the age verification process. In this article, we explain why xHamster requires age verification and provide a comprehensive guide on using a VPN to access xHamster without handing over your ID.

Disclaimer: PCrisk.com does not promote, encourage, or endorse the bypassing of age verification measures. This information is provided for educational purposes to help adult users understand their privacy options. It is not intended for minors, and we strongly advise that underage individuals do not attempt to circumvent age checks. Always abide by local laws - use any methods described at your own risk.

Watch xHamster in UK with NordVPN

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Why Does xHamster Require Age Verification?
• Privacy Risks of Verifying Your Age
• Bypass xHamster Age Verification in the UK with a VPN
• Best VPNs to Bypass xHamster Age Verification
• Common Issues and Solutions When Accessing xHamster with a VPN
• Where is xHamster Blocked or Requires Age Verification?
• How to Verify Your Age on xHamster
• Other Methods to Bypass xHamster Age Verification (Without a VPN)
• Is Using a VPN to Bypass xHamster Age Verification Legal in the UK?
• Can You Use a Free VPN to Access xHamster in the UK?
• In closing
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Does xHamster Require Age Verification?

When you try to access xHamster in the UK, you'll be asked to verify your age. This is because the UK passed the Online Safety Act in 2023, which requires all adult websites to verify that their users are 18 or older. Coming into effect in July 2025, the law requires websites hosting adult or explicit content to verify that visitors meet the age requirement; if they don't, they can't access the site. For xHamster, UK users will be prompted to log in and verify their age, most likely by providing identification or using an approved age-check service. Here are the reasons behind this requirement.

UK Online Safety Act: For adult content in the UK, the Online Safety Act 2023 requires pornographic websites and other platforms that host adult content to implement a strict age verification system for British users. The goal is to prevent children from accessing unsuitable content.

Regulatory Compliance: Sites like xHamster must comply or face penalties. Some major adult sites (e.g., Pornhub) opted to block UK visitors entirely rather than implement age checks, while others like xHamster introduced verification systems to remain accessible.

Verification Methods: xHamster allows uploading a photo ID, a facial recognition scan, or using a third-party service like Yoti or AgeChecked to verify a user's age. Their system has a digital ID app, Yoti, that uses AI to estimate age from a selfie (with roughly a 2-year margin of error) or accepts an uploaded ID that also performs a face scan.

Purpose of the Law: To protect children online, the UK government has implemented a strict age-check system for adult content, aiming to create a safer internet for the next generation. However, this age check has been criticized for allegations of censorship and privacy violations. Petitions and disbelieving voices contended that the rules went too far, but since 2026, the regulation stands.

You'll notice a significant change: they're now requiring age verification for UK users when you visit xHamster. Coming from a UK IP address, you'll be presented with a notice, usually a banner at the top of the page, asking you to verify that you're 18+, and you won't be able to view videos without doing so.

This change from the previous "are you over 18" click isn't working anymore; now they need robust proof of age, and lots of UK adults are using workarounds to try and avoid this, because they're worried about their privacy.

xHamster's age verification process for UK users includes creating an account and verifying your age with an ID or other methods.

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Privacy Risks of Verifying Your Age

Many adults are uneasy about handing over personal IDs and biometric data when uploading to a porn site. The xHamster verification process offers three options: using a digital ID app like Yoti, completing an AI-powered face scan, or sending a photo of their official ID.  Although the xHamster verification process is meant to be fast, it requires you to submit quite a lot of sensitive, private information. Passing over your passport, driver's license, or live selfie scan to a porn site brings up valid issues about personal privacy.

When you upload to xHamster, the site's verification partners claim to take your privacy seriously. They use the Yoti age-checking system, which can verify your age without storing any of your personal data or images, and deletes the photos you upload the moment they're checked. xHamster's interface tells users, "Once we've confirmed your age, we don’t store or share your details." This is meant to be a guarantee that your ID documents and face scans won't be retained for long periods.

When it comes to signing up for an adult content site, even one that uses a reputable third-party verifier, there is still significant uncertainty. High-profile data breaches affecting all kinds of companies have taught us that no one is entirely safe, and porn sites are no exception. People, especially adults, may fear a nightmare scenario in which their personal identity and face are leaked and connected to their adult content consumption. At its core is a fundamental privacy principle: you shouldn’t have to divulge your personal information to view legal adult material. Because of this, people are now resorting to a bypass.

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Bypass xHamster Age Verification in the UK with a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the way to go when trying to bypass xHamster's age verification in the UK. A VPN lets you mask your location and make it seem as if you're coming from a country where xHamster doesn't require age verification. This will essentially show the age gate to UK users and allow you to access xHamster’s content without needing to verify your age. Coming into 2026, here's a simple 4-step process to do this.

Choose the best VPN

1. Choose a reliable VPN service. If you're looking to stream xHamster, you'll want a VPN with an extensive server network and top-notch privacy features. We recommend NordVPN, our top-rated VPN of 2026. With thousands of servers worldwide, NordVPN is known for bypassing geo-restrictions and has been used by us to unblock the likes of xHamster.

2. Install the VPN app on your device and log in. NordVPN and similar providers support all major platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, etc.), so install the app on the device you plan to use for browsing xHamster.

3. Connect to a server outside the UK. Launch the VPN and select a server located in a country where xHamster is accessible without age verification. For example, you could connect to a server in Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, or Canada, which do not have the UK’s age-gate law.

4. Access xHamster anonymously. Head to xHamster, and you'll be able to navigate and stream videos without being asked for any identification, because the site thinks you're coming from a country with no restrictions when the VPN is turned on.

Regarding accessing xHamster, a VPN like NordVPN is the way to go, thanks to its high speeds, expansive server network, and watertight privacy features. With AES-256 encryption and a zero-logging policy, it keeps all your online activities private and unmonitored. NordVPN’s servers can handle high-bandwidth activities, so you can stream HD videos on xHamster without any problems, and effortlessly unblocks services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, showing it can take on regional restrictions with ease. With NordVPN, you’re not just getting around the age check, you’re also shielding your data from your internet service provider, and even xHamster itself can’t see where you really are.

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Best VPNs to Bypass xHamster Age Verification

The VPNs that can effectively help you bypass xHamster's age verification need to have many servers across various countries, fast streaming speeds, and strong security. Based on our in-depth research and testing, we've narrowed down our top picks for 2026. Here are the top 5 VPNs to unblock xHamster, with a rundown of each.

Bypass UK porn ban with NordVPN

When choosing the best VPN for accessing restricted website we recommend using our Top VPN list.

1. NordVPN – Top Pick for 2026: NordVPN is our #1 choice for bypassing xHamster’s UK age checks. It provides a potent mix of speed, privacy, and versatility. NordVPN operates 5,600+ servers across 60 countries, allowing UK users to find a server in a region without age restrictions easily.

2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly and Unlimited Devices: Surfshark is a fantastic option as it won't break the bank and yet packs a lot of features. Surfshark delivers serious results, and its ability to handle an unlimited number of simultaneous connections means you can use it on every single one of your devices at the same time. With 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, it’s guaranteed that you'll be able to bypass xHamster’s regional restrictions and watch the content you want to see.

3. Mullvad VPN – Privacy-Focused Choice: In terms of VPNs, Mullvad is all about total anonymity. Sign up for a VPN service, and you'll get a randomly assigned account number, so there’s no need for an email address. Coming out of Sweden, Mullvad takes a zero-logs policy very seriously, and its applications are completely open-source, so you can verify everything they claim to do. They've got over 40 servers across the world, a relatively small network, but it’s concentrated in places that are great for unblocking xHamster.

4. Proton VPN – Security and Transparency: Proton VPN comes from the Swiss creators of ProtonMail, and it's clear that they're serious about security and transparency. Well-known for its military-grade encryption, Proton VPN also has a verified no-logs policy. They offer a completely free plan, albeit one with restricted servers, which still gives you unlimited data, something that not a lot of VPNs do. For paid users, Proton VPN covers more than 60 countries and offers multiple rerouting options to bypass UK content blocks.

5. ExpressVPN – Premium Speed and Ease of Use: ExpressVPN is one of the biggest names out there, and for good reason. Coming out of the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is beyond the reach of UK law and boasts a stellar no-logs policy, with servers that are literally cleared every time they restart, so your data is gone. With servers across 90+ countries, ExpressVPN provides plenty of options to appear outside the UK.

These five VPNs are reliable for bypassing regional restrictions and protecting users' privacy when accessing xHamster in the UK. They encrypt the connection, preventing the ISP and any snoopers from seeing what you're watching on xHamster and masking your IP address, so xHamster won't know you're in the UK. Outfitting yourself with one of these top VPNs will serve you well when it comes to bypassing xHamster’s age gates in 2026.

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Common Issues and Solutions When Accessing xHamster with a VPN

While using a VPN is usually smooth, you might encounter some hiccups when trying to watch xHamster. Here are some common issues users face and how to solve them:

xHamster still asks for age verification even with a VPN. If you still see the age-check page, you're likely either connected to a server that has restrictions or is located in a country that does. For example, France or some US states. VPN servers in those countries, however, can be avoided. If that's not the case, a cookie or cache issue might be the reason. Your browser could be remembering that you're a UK user, and xHamster is sending you to the age-check page. In that case, clear your browser’s cache, refresh the page, or use a private browsing window to make xHamster treat you as a brand-new user with your VPN's foreign IP address.

VPN is connected, but xHamster won’t load or play. When a VPN isn't performing well, it's often because the VPN server is at capacity or the VPN's protocol is having issues. A simple fix is to switch to a different server in the same location, since most VPN apps allow it. Switching from one protocol to another is also a good idea. If one isn't working well or is being blocked by your network, the other might be a better option. Make sure that no other network controls, such as parental controls or workplace firewalls, are interfering with your VPN. If you're on a restrictive network, you can try using the VPN's obfuscated servers or stealth mode, if they're available, to get around local blocks.

Slow streaming or low video quality. Your VPN may be the one slowing you down when watching xHamster videos that buffer or run at a lower resolution. A UK-based user could expect a much faster experience connecting to a Netherlands or Germany-based server than one in Asia, for instance. Some VPNs have a “Best Server” feature that automatically sends you to the fastest server, and bumping up to a higher-tier plan may also resolve the issue. It's also a good idea to check that your underlying internet connection isn't the issue, as a slow ISP will prevent even a VPN from working at full speed.

xHamster content is still filtered or partially restricted. You may still find that some content is not available. Such as specific categories, or live cams, when you try to access xHamster. xHamster and some adult sites region-lock content due to licensing or legal reasons. If you can’t access a particular area, it’s worth trying a VPN in a different country; this might do the trick.

However, know that a VPN can bypass general site-wide blocks and age gates, but it won’t work on content that is regionally locked for all users. Try changing the server, deleting cookies, toggling the protocol, or turning on stealth mode. These can be effective for getting a VPN working when you run into problems. If you encounter a specific website that won't work with your VPN, you can also contact the VPN's customer support. Many of the best VPN services offer 24/7 live chat to help you resolve the issue.

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Where is xHamster Blocked or Requires Age Verification?

The UK is not the only place where access to xHamster is restricted. Various countries and regions around the world either block xHamster entirely or require some form of age or ID verification due to local laws. Here’s a list of notable locations and their status regarding xHamster:

• United Kingdom: Not outright blocked, but age verification is mandatory for all users as of July 2025.
• United States (Certain States): No federal ban, but some U.S. states have passed their own laws requiring age verification for porn sites.
• France: In 2023, France empowered its media regulator (ARCOM) to block sites that failed to implement age checks.
• Australia: While not every site is blocked, Australia has considered age verification systems. As of 2026, accessing xHamster in Australia might be possible without ID, but there are ongoing discussions and trials for age verification down under.
• China: Completely blocked. China’s Great Firewall censors all pornography. xHamster (and virtually all major adult sites) have been blocked for years.
• India: Effectively blocked. The Indian government has ordered ISPs to ban hundreds of porn websites in the past (in the interest of morality and to curb sexual content).
• Russia: Blocked. Russia’s internet regulator (Roskomnadzor) has banned many porn sites (including xHamster), citing extremist content or unauthorized content distribution.
• Turkey: Blocked. Turkey aggressively filters internet content, and adult sites are commonly blocked.
• Middle East Countries (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia): Blocked due to morality laws. In most Middle Eastern nations, pornography is illegal. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait block sites like xHamster at the national level.
• Pakistan: Blocked. Pakistan has banned thousands of porn sites. xHamster is included in the national filtering. No age verification offered – it’s completely inaccessible without a VPN.
• Thailand and Vietnam: Both have laws against obscene content. Thailand routinely blocks porn sites (in 2020, it famously banned Pornhub, causing public outcry). Vietnam also censors adult content. It’s likely xHamster isn't reachable on most Thai or Vietnamese ISPs.

Be aware that its content is restricted in several countries and regions when using the xHamster service. Moving from one country to another can change what's accessible. In the Netherlands, adult content is largely unfiltered, but in other places, it's not. If xHamster is blocked or asks for verification of your location, a VPN can sort things out, essentially putting you in a country where xHamster is accessible. However, remember to check whether using a VPN is legal in your area.

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How to Verify Your Age on xHamster

To comply with xHamster's age verification, UK users need to sign up for a free xHamster account using an email address and password, then log in to that account. Age verification is tied to the user's account. When logging in, they'll be asked to complete a few steps that, if satisfied, will verify the user's age.

Digital ID App (Yoti): You can use the Yoti digital identity app to verify your age when logging into xHamster. The process is pretty straightforward: download the Yoti app, scan your driver's license or identity card, and add it to the app. Then, on xHamster's verification page, click the Yoti option, and xHamster will send you a QR code to scan with the Yoti app. Yoti sends a confirmation to xHamster that your age is verified (18+), but doesn’t send anything else to them. This uses a third party so that xHamster doesn’t see or store your identification.

Age Estimation (Face Scan): The platform offers a convenient AI-driven age-estimation feature that asks you to upload a selfie when you sign up for xHamster to verify your age. The facial analysis system, similar to a facial recognition software, estimates your age within a two-year margin of error. If the system determines you appear to be over 18, it grants access to the platform. This method doesn’t require an ID upload, yet you're essentially providing a photo of yourself for analysis. xHamster claims it does not retain the photo after the check. The convenience of not needing an ID comes with the possibility that the AI could mess up or be unfair, and the fact that you're trusting the system with your image.

Photo ID Upload (Manual Verification): When signing up for xHamster, you can upload a scanned photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, or take a live selfie or short video for a liveness check. The sign-up process is a bit like verifying your identity on other sites, where you send in your ID and a selfie to check that it’s really you. A third-party verification company will confirm your age and identity, then approve you. xHamster notes that this info is handled by the third party and not stored by xHamster itself. Still, many users are understandably hesitant to upload sensitive documents due to privacy concerns.

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Other Methods to Bypass xHamster Age Verification (Without a VPN)

If you’re an adult in the UK who doesn’t want to submit ID and, for some reason, cannot use a VPN, there are a couple of other workaround methods. Note: These alternatives may be less secure or less reliable than a VPN:

Using an Open Proxy: You're sending your internet traffic through a public server, a bit like a VPN, but often without encryption, when using a web-based proxy. To use a web-based proxy service, all you need to do is enter the URL you're trying to access, such as xHamster, into a form on the proxy site, and it will fetch the content for you. This can sometimes be the ticket to accessing xHamster via a proxy server. Possibly located in a different country, is technically accessing the site for you.

As a proxy server user, you're not getting the best experience on xHamster. They're often slow and can render sites unusable by failing to load videos properly. Many websites also don't let you use free proxies, and popular adult sites may be able to see that you're coming from a known proxy server. Even if you're using a proxy, your ISP can still see that you're accessing xHamster, which isn't ideal. Some proxy operators also log your activities or add advertisements and malware. Only use this method when necessary, and even then, it's no substitute for a VPN.

Using the Tor Browser: Your internet traffic is routed through an extensive network of volunteer-run nodes, or relays, when you use Tor. When you use Tor, your connection bounces through multiple servers around the world, hiding your origin. By default, Tor will often exit through an endpoint outside the UK, which could let you access xHamster without age verification. Tor functions much like a VPN and will hide your IP address while providing a good level of anonymity.

However, Tor has limitations: because it bounces your internet traffic through multiple nodes and encrypts everything, browsing xHamster with Tor is likely much slower than regular browsing. Accessing xHamster could also be a problem, because some websites don't allow visitors from known Tor exit nodes, and xHamster or its advertisers may have added their IP addresses to their blacklists. Still, Tor is a free way to get around censorship and protect your online privacy, but you'll need to understand that it won't be super fast and won't be able to handle large files like streaming videos as well as a high-performance VPN.

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Is Using a VPN to Bypass xHamster Age Verification Legal in the UK?

Concerning UK residents using a VPN to access xHamster, the legality is quite clear, for adults that is. VPNs are legal in the UK, and there isn't a specific law that says an adult can't use one to bypass an age check for personal use.

Concerning the Online Safety Act, the onus is placed on website operators, exemplified here by xHamster, to verify the age of their users under the watchful eye of regulators. The law, however, does not classify an adult who manages to bypass these measures as an offender. If you want to protect your privacy and view legal adult content, you are more than within your rights to use a VPN.

However, a few points to keep in mind:

Age Restrictions Still Apply: While an adult using a VPN is legal, it is obviously illegal for a minor to use a VPN (or any method) to access pornography. The law is designed to protect minors, and if a minor were caught deliberately circumventing it, there could be consequences (at the very least, guardians might face issues).

Terms of Service: Which clearly state that you're lying about your age if you're under 18, and that using the service if you are is also against the rules. When you sign up for xHamster, you're agreeing to their terms of service. Using a VPN from a different location technically goes around the system they put in place, but it isn’t against the law for adults. xHamster won’t be able to tell if you’re using a VPN, even if you are, and in any case, adult users aren't the ones they're trying to keep out.

Future Legal Changes: In the UK, the landscape is changing and will continue to do so in the coming years. If the UK government explicitly outlaws circumventing age verification, for example, by penalizing websites or tools that facilitate it, the legal landscape could look quite different. However, as of 2026, there is no such law. At present, the primary concern is website compliance with the new regulations, and using a VPN to circumvent them is not banned. Indeed, a blanket ban on VPNs for this purpose could be difficult to implement.

To sum up, adult UK citizens can lawfully use VPNs to bypass xHamster’s age verification. You are not breaking the law by doing so, as long as the content you access is itself legal and you are of age. However, the point of age checks is that they should work, and we can't stress enough that these methods should not be exploited by people who are too young.

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Can You Use a Free VPN to Access xHamster in the UK?

You might be wondering if a free VPN could do the trick, saving you from paying for yet another service. It’s an important question, because there are indeed free VPNs out there. The answer is yes, it’s possible to access xHamster in the UK with a free VPN, but with significant limitations and risks. Here’s what to consider:

Server Choices: Be aware that free VPNs have limited server locations. You would need a free VPN with at least one exit server outside the UK (and preferably outside other restricted regions like France or US states with bans).

Speed and Bandwidth: Streaming video on a free VPN can be challenging. Many free services impose data caps (e.g., 500MB per day or 10GB per month) or throttle speeds to conserve bandwidth. Watching a few HD videos could easily exhaust a small data allowance.

Privacy Concerns: There's a saying: "if a product is free, you are the product", and that's unfortunately, often true when using free VPNs. Dubious free VPNs can inject ads into your browser, collect your browsing data and sell it to third parties, or worse, contain malware. Using a well-known, respected VPN like Proton VPN’s free plan is likely safer than using a completely random free VPN app in the app store. Reading reviews from reputable sources is, therefore, essential.

Reliability: When using a free VPN, you're rolling the dice with your internet connection, as it may drop out at any time. If you don’t have a kill switch, your real IP address will be exposed to xHamster or your ISP. Plus, free VPNs don't usually have a support team to resolve any issues that arise.

Examples of Free VPNs: When it comes to streaming xHamster, the Proton VPN free plan is the way to go. It doesn't cap your data, packs a serious punch when it comes to security, and will let you access xHamster via the Netherlands/US servers. The other option is Windscribe, which gives you 10 GB of free data and has a pretty extensive network spanning around 10 countries, including two in Europe: Germany and the Netherlands. This should cover you for occasional xHamster viewing, but 10 GB will only get you a few hours of video.

TunnelBear's free option isn't really suitable for streaming as it limits you to a paltry 500 MB per month, and then cuts you off. VPN Gate is a volunteer-run, free network, but speed can vary wildly, and it requires manual setup, which isn't exactly user-friendly. Mobile VPNs such as 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare Warp) are also free, but they’re mainly just a privacy proxy, and won’t cut it for xHamster.

When it comes to streaming adult content on xHamster, a free VPN might not cut it. The restrictive speeds, data limits, and privacy issues will soon become a problem, and since the stakes are higher, if a free VPN were to leak your data, you could expose your porn browsing history to your ISP or a hacker. A well-known paid VPN is a much safer option to effectively and securely bypass xHamster’s age verification.

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In closing

The UK’s implementation of age verification on adult sites like xHamster marks a brand new era in internet regulation and a serious encroachment into the world of adult privacy.

For adult viewers who value anonymity, sharing personal identities with every adult website is a far cry from what they find appealing, so a VPN is a solution. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, routes it through a different country, enabling you to skirt xHamster’s age verification system and keep your identity out of the spotlight.

Beyond just opening doors to xHamster, a VPN can be incredibly convenient for an adult, boosting one’s streaming capabilities, enhancing security on public Wi-Fi connections, bypassing geo-blocks on streaming services, and breathing new life into the general web browsing experience.
In short, if you're a disheartened adult looking to enjoy xHamster, now or in the future, I recommend the assistance of a VPN, a completely above-board, privacy-conscious tool. The significance of these steps on UK adult websites is really that of safeguarding minors, and so, if you’re of legal age, you’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Online Safety Act?
It had the goal of making the internet a safer place, especially for kids, when the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) was passed in '23. Coming dashing off the heels of that, it introduced new rules for online platforms to shield their users from nasty content, and one of the biggest stipulations is that any websites hosting adult material, including pornography, need to verify the age of UK visitors.

Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has been given the power to enforce the Online Safety Act, which is why sites such as xHamster ask for identification. Its purpose is to keep children away from explicit content, and the Act also tackles social media, requiring immediate takedown of illegal content and steps against child sexual abuse material, hate speech, and the like. It’s a broad law, but for adult sites, age verification is the headline change. (Notably, the OSA 2023 replaced earlier attempts like the Digital Economy Act’s porn block, bringing these rules into effect starting in 2025.)

Can I watch xHamster in the UK without verifying my age?
If you’re in the UK (or another place with an age-verification law), you cannot watch xHamster by conventional means without verifying your age. If you're watching from somewhere like Germany or Brazil, though, xHamster won't ask for any ID, and you'll only need to click “18+” to watch. In essence, unless you use a bypass, you'll have to verify your age when xHamster asks.

How do websites verify age without ID?
Websites have a few ways to verify age without you having to upload an official ID document each time. Many use third-party age verification services that can confirm your age through various means:

Credit Card or Mobile Phone Verification: Many sites ask for a credit card number, and since credit cards are not issued to those under 18, a small charge or a check can serve as proof of age when age verification is required. Mobile carrier verification is also used by some, sending an SMS PIN or checking the status of your phone contract, on the assumption that the person owns the account and is therefore an adult, and they don’t require uploading a photo of your ID.

Digital ID Apps: You can upload your ID document once and create a digital ID. Then, with just one click or a QR code scan, you can verify your age on partner websites when using services such as Yoti or AgeChecked. The website doesn't get to see your real ID, as they're getting a confirmation that you're over 18 from the app, essentially a "yes, you're over 18" answer. It's what’s called federated verification.

Database Checks: Some of them might use public or private databases, like electoral rolls or credit agencies, to verify the information you submit, such as your name, address, and date of birth, when you sign up for a website or app. This is less common due to privacy concerns, but it’s an approach that doesn’t require an ID scan because it uses data you enter.

Face Analysis: Advanced AI is used to estimate your age; this method is also being hailed as a way to verify age without requiring any identification when uploading a selfie to xHamster. All the AI needs is a facial image, no official documents required, but keep in mind that it's not 100% accurate.

Questionnaires or Quizzes: Some online platforms may use age-gating methods that rely on users' knowledge to verify their age. This can be seen in online gaming forums, where you're asked for your birthdate, or in rare instances where you're posed with questions more likely to be known by adults of a certain generation. However, under strict laws like the Online Safety Act (OSA), these weak methods won't cut it.

Why are adult sites asking for age verification?
Adult sites are requesting age verification because laws now require it in certain jurisdictions. The UK’s Online Safety Act compels porn sites to put up serious age gates to prevent under-18 users from accessing. Following the UK's lead, parts of the US, France, and other countries have enacted similar laws. The governments and advocacy groups pushing for these laws believe that viewing pornography at a young age is dangerous and that simple age verification using “are you 18?” disclaimers is a threat to child safety. Thus, they turned out to be pushing for more severe verification systems using advanced tech and IDs.

Adult sites also need to comply, or they’ll be shut down or heavily fined, and some are quite literally getting knocked offline. If xHamster hadn’t set up age verification in the UK, UK ISPs would’ve been ordered to block the site, and we’ve seen this happen to other major adult sites in France that didn't comply, with numerous sites being completely shut down.

Another reason is social responsibility and optics: large adult companies have decided that age verification is a good idea. It’s a way for them to prove to their communities and the world that they’re committed to child safety and therefore, they'll probably be able to fend off any further regulation or disapproval.

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