NEW laws are about to come into effect banning UK citizens accessing online porn without proving their age.

But when does the block kick in, why is the government changing the rules, and can you switch it off?

What is the UK porn ban?

Porn sites will soon be required to get proof of ID from UK residents before showing any X-rated clips – in order to protect children.

That includes free porn sites like PornHub and YouPorn – which attract nearly two billion visits a month between them worldwide.

They'll join a number of other sites in using the AgeID system, which requires users to verify their age via an official form of ID.

From July this year, when the new system is being launched, randy internet lurkers will be shown a non-pornographic "landing page", according to AgeID spokesman James Clark.