Pornhub Exits France: Market Consequences and the Risk for OnlyFans in the UK

Why Pornhub left France          
In June 2025, Pornhub — the world’s second most visited adult site — shut down operations in France, along with affiliated platforms (RedTube, YouPorn). The reason: France passed a stricter law requiring mandatory age verification. Instead of simple “I’m over 18” prompts, providers must now use more complex checks, like verifying bank cards or IDs. Authorities argue it protects children, but Pornhub and others claim these rules violate privacy, risk personal data, and are ineffective.

Pornhub advocated for age checks to be implemented at the device or OS level (Apple, Google, Microsoft) — not on individual websites. Talks with the government failed, and Pornhub completely withdrew from the French market, cutting off millions of users.

Market impact:

• France was Pornhub’s second-largest market after the US.
• Similar restrictions have already pushed Pornhub out of some US states.
• Other adult platforms face similar issues across the EU.

Will OnlyFans leave the UK?    
The UK is introducing its own laws on age verification for adult content websites. Unlike France, no mass platform exits have occurred yet. OnlyFans — founded in London — remains under regulatory scrutiny but hasn’t announced plans to shut down.

Risks for OnlyFans:

• In 2021, it briefly attempted to ban explicit content under pressure from financial partners but reversed the decision due to user backlash.
• The UK is preparing stricter verification laws — if they’re overly rigid or technically complex, OnlyFans may exit or relocate.
• Unlike Pornhub, OnlyFans is a subscription-based platform, much of whose content is amateur or lifestyle-related.

What experts say:

• Many creators are exploring alternatives due to regulatory uncertainty and pressure from payment systems.
• A potential sale to US investors and a change in tax structure are reportedly under discussion.
• Legal and safety risks tied to content moderation and age compliance will keep rising.

Conclusions:

• Pornhub’s exit from France was a forced move in response to a law it refused (or failed) to comply with.
• In the UK, OnlyFans faces risks but no immediate threat of departure. It may adapt its model or structure.
• A full withdrawal is only likely if laws become as strict and technically burdensome as in France.

📌 This reflects the ongoing transformation of the digital adult industry — under legal, tech, and societal pressure around privacy and child protection.

Written by Ihor Yasko, Attorney at WINNER Law Firm         
Law. Strategy. Business Protection.