Pornhub related websites including Redtube, have blocked access for end-users in Australia just three days before the 9 March 2026 deadline for websites to comply with the Designated Internet Services Online Safety Code (Class 1C and Class 2 Material aka the DIS Code.
Writing in Crikey on 6 March 2026 Cam Wilson reports on the reaction of Pornhub’s parent company Aylo to these Online Safety requirements. The article provides an overview on how these requirements affect website providers and their end-users in Australia.
Under the DIS Code website providers must assess their websites to determine the risk level (high, moderate, low) that minors will encounter a range of content types including high impact online pornography. Websites whose main purpose is to provide high impact pornography are required to implement a wide range of compliance measures, including the use of age assurance technology that prevents people in Australia under 18 accessing those websites.
As acknowledged in the Crikey article concerns have been raised about the potential for online age assurance checks to result in breaches of personal data, censorship of important health information, non-explicit material and other content, and drive some end-users to unregulated sites.
The DIS Code has a broad reach beyond online pornography to other forms of online content including high impact violence, drug and alcohol dependency, self-harm and gambling material.
