The Curious Hotel

Users of online porn sites will have to upload their ID to prove they are over 18 under new Ofcom guidance

Porn websites will have to ensure users are over 18 by checking their ID, asking their bank or mobile providers to vouch for them or using technology that can estimate their age from images.

The watchdog Ofcom has today set out guidance on how it expects adult websites to protect young people from sexually explicit content under the Online Safety Act.

On average, children are aged just 13 when they first encounter hardcore porn online. The watchdog said it would not accept 'weaker' age checks, such as allowing users to self-declare their age or simply add disclaimers or warnings to sexually explicit material.

A survey found the majority of Britons are supportive of introducing tougher measures – but half said they were worried about handing over their personal and private information.

Ofcom said all age assurance methods were subject to the UK's privacy laws and were overseen by the Information Commissioner's Office. Hardcore porn can easily be accessed with just a click of a button,