Anyone trying to watch porn online in the UK will need to take a selfie first - or share a photo ID. (Yes, both of those might ruin the mood.') The UK government began checking compliance with its Online Safety Act last Friday, which requires any website that publishes or displays pornographic content to implement a system for "highly effective age checks."Popular porn sites, including the country's most-visited site, PornHub, have agreed to the new regulations. The rules also apply to platforms like X and dating apps, where adult images may be shared. Social media sites like Reddit and Bluesky have already implemented an age verification system. Some of these age checks can be sidestepped by assigning a new location to profiles or, your friend and mine, using a VPN.In response, downloads of VPN apps have exploded.- Mat SmithGet Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The news you might have missed