Image-sharing site Imgur is now blocked in the United Kingdom
Imgur will fully block access for users in the United Kingdom starting September 30, 2025. This major policy change means that UK users will be unable to log in, view content, or upload images. Imgur content embedded on third-party sites will also not display to users based in the UK.
As this restriction takes effect, those in the UK attempting to reach the site will see a message stating, “Content not available in your region.” The legal context is tied to a warning issued by the UK Information Commissioner's Office. The ICO signaled possible fines against Imgur’s parent company, MediaLab AI, citing concerns over the service’s handling of children’s data, age verification, and privacy safeguards.
With Imgur among the largest global image-sharing platforms, the loss of access will affect a broad user base and disrupt websites relying on its embeds. At present, the only workaround for UK users is to employ a virtual private network (VPN) and connect via a non-UK IP address.
- Image Hosting Service
- Freemium • Proprietary
Related news
External links
- Imgur access in the United KingdomImgur • Official source
- Imgur is blocking users in the UKThe Verge
- Imgur pulls out of UK after data regulator warns of finesTechCrunch
- Imgur has left the UKEngadget
- Imgur blocks UK users after data watchdog signals possible fineBleepingComputer
- Why Imgur is blocked in the UKMashable
Comments
The whole point of MediaLab is to buy failing companies to try to save them by reducing labor cost (MediaLab has even recently suffixed "AI" to its name since it switched to AI to replace as many employees as possible). And MediaLab won't afford a fine of £12M like the TikTok one. Geo-blocking is an efficient way to stay out of trouble, but given the popular use of embed Imgur images, and the decentralized nature of CDNs, it may not be enough.