I keep seeing people asking why a PIN is required on a programme before the watershed, and why does Sky need a PIN, but Freeview and Freesat don't. I did some research and the below is the result.
🛡️ Ofcom’s role in protecting children
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, does set rules around protecting viewers under 18 from inappropriate or harmful content. This is mainly enforced through the 9pm watershed, after which more mature content may be shown.
However, Ofcom does not mandate a PIN system across every platform. Instead, it allows broadcasters and platform operators to decide how they protect younger audiences — so long as they meet the underlying requirement to restrict access to unsuitable material.
🔐 Why does Sky require a PIN?
Sky has chosen to implement Mandatory Daytime Protection (MDP) — a PIN-based system that restricts access to any programme rated:
12, 15, or 18 by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), or
similarly by Sky’s internal compliance team
This applies if the programme airs before the watershed (9pm).
Unlike some other parental controls (like turning off PINs for live channels or purchases), MDP for age-rated content is enforced at the platform level and is on by default and cannot be disabled, regardless of your parental control settings.
This is part of Sky’s obligation to meet Ofcom’s protection requirements through technical means.
🆓 Why don't Freeview or Freesat ask for a PIN?
Freeview and Freesat are free-to-air platforms without a built-in, platform-wide PIN protection system. Unlike Sky or Virgin Media, they don’t have centralised parental control features. Instead:
Any parental controls depend entirely on the TV manufacturer or set-top box,
These controls are optional, often buried in menus, and rarely configured by the average user.
Because of this, there’s no way for broadcasters to enforce a PIN request across Freeview or Freesat, even for content rated 12, 15, or 18.
Instead, channels on these platforms must rely on:
Scheduling (e.g., airing stronger content after 9pm),
Content editing (toning it down for earlier slots),
Or clear on-screen warnings before the programme begins.
Importantly, Ofcom rules do allow post-9pm content to air earlier if the channel reasonably expects it to be seen mainly by adults, and if the audience can be trusted to self-regulate. That’s why certain programmes with mild adult content might still air before the watershed on channels like Challenge, Drama, or 5USA — especially if the content isn't likely to attract a younger audience.
📺 Example: The Crystal Maze on Challenge
There are a few episodes of The Crystal Maze that are rated 12 — perhaps due to:
On Sky, if Challenge chooses to air one of these episodes at (e.g.) 5pm, you’ll be asked for your PIN, because it’s rated 12 and being shown before the watershed.
On Freeview or Freesat, the same episode would air without a PIN, because those platforms don’t support mandatory PIN control at a network level. The channel reasonably expects it to be seen mainly by adults and trusts the audience can be trusted to self-regulate.
🧠 Ofcom’s View on Pre-Watershed Rated Content
Under Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code, it’s possible to show 12- or even 15-rated content before the watershed, as long as:
The channel reasonably believes children are unlikely to be watching (e.g., niche or adult-skewing channels),
Adequate warnings are given,
And the content does not breach broader harm/offence standards.
That’s why channels like Challenge, Dave, or Drama might air content rated higher than a U or PG before 9pm — it’s based on the likely audience, and whether it’s a “family viewing” slot or not.
Sources:
PIN-protection before 9pm watershed
