In a written statement, Hancock admitted the scheme was "complex." He also formalised the powers needed to appoint a regulator for the new law. The watchdog, which many assume will be the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), will be able to fine providers up to £250,000, or up to 5 percent of the turnover reported in their "most recent complete accounting period." In a statement to the BBC, a BBFC spokesperson said: "We are already working closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to ensure the effective implementation of the Act."

Opinions are, unsurprisingly, split. Will Gardner, chief executive of internet safety charity Childnet said: "Steps like this to help restrict access, alongside the provision of free parental controls and education, are key." The Open Rights Group, however, has warned about the privacy issues that could arise as a result. "The Government has repeatedly refused to ensure that there is a legal duty for age verification providers to protect the privacy of web users," executive director Jim Killock said. "Age verification could lead to porn companies building databases of the UK's porn habits, which could be vulnerable to Ashley Madison style hacks."