BRITAIN'S upcoming "porn block" could see some adult websites banned for all Brits – even if they're older than 18.

The block is designed to prevent minors accessing XXX websites, but pages that don't age-check "effectively" face being banned for everyone.

From July 15, porn websites will be required to age-check users trying to access their sites.

This means Brits will need to hand over ID proving they're older than 18.

Britain's movie-rating regulator, the BBFC, has been appointed to oversee this process, and can impose penalties on sites that don't comply.

And this includes blocking Brits from accessing a website altogether.

"If a service is non-compliant because they don't have effective age-verification or they are providing extreme pornography, the BBFC has a number of enforcement powers," the porn watchdog explained.

Penalties include asking search engines and social media to stop linking out to "non-compliant" porn sites.

It also includes asking payment providers to "withdraw their services" from the sites.

And lastly, the BBFC can "instruct internet service providers to block them" completely for all Brits – including adults.

"The BBFC will issue preliminary notifications to a non-compliant site before taking any enforcement action against them," the BBFC explained.

"After this, we can choose the most effective course of enforcement action on a case-by-case basis.

"Blocking a site is not the BBFC's objective and it's important that we allow enough time for a non-compliant site to comply.

"Where blocking becomes necessary, this will be carried out in the shortest time possible."

Despite being widely accused of online censorship, the BBFC added: "Age-verification is about preventing children from being able to easily access pornographic content online.

"It's not about restricting adults watching legal material."

But experts have warned about major risks with the scheme.

This week, The Sun revealed how the BBFC will only be focusing on major sites – and could miss countless "extreme" websites on the fringes of the web.

This could put Brits – teenagers included – at greater risk of being exposed to twisted smut.

John Fokker, Head of Cyber Investigations at McAfee warned: "A censored internet will force users to circumvent the enforced controls.

"On the hunt for the content they want, it is likely they will search in even more dangerous places online."

Unlocking porn on your local high street

There's an alternative to handing over your details online...

  • As well as registering with AgeID, Brits will also be able to access porn sites using a voucher you can buy from high street shops.
  • Thousands of shops will offer the special ID cards, which users can link to an app known as Portes.
  • Through Portes, they can then login to sites without having to hand over their email address.
  • Clark said: "The PortesCard will be available to purchase from any of the UK’s 29,000 PayPoint outlets as a voucher.
  • "It will also be available from selected high street retailers, which we can share more details on soon.
  • A unique validation code on the purchased card must be activated via the Portes app within 24 hours, otherwise it'll expire, he added.
  • Verified users will then automatically be granted access to all sites using AgeID.
  • Each PortesCard will cost £4.99 for use on a single device, or £8.99 for use across multiple devices.

The Government has also drawn criticism over the scheme from experts who believe it simply won't work.

London-based porn producer Harriet Sugarcookie has been an outspoken critic of the plans – and thinks they're doomed to fail.

"It’s worth noting that there are lots of gaps in the Digital Economy Act 2017," Harrit explained.

"Social media sites are not affected. You can access as much porn as you like on Reddit or Twitter, so it’s always worth following your favourite sites and companies on social sites. You will never be completely cut off.

"The government say the law is about protecting children but it screams of government overreach and nannying.

"It’s the kind of draconian approach you expect to find in China, not in the free world.

"There are already people in charge of protecting children online, they’re called parents."

MOST READ IN TECH

The Sun recently revealed creepy "candid feet" pages on Facebook where pervs swap pics of unsuspecting women's toes.

Last year, The Sun exposed a huge cache of porn on YouTube that the tech giant had failed to take down.

We also warned over Instagram sex hashtags that allowed perverts to circulate hardcore pornography on the app.

Do you think the porn block is a good idea? Let us know in the comments!

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