UK watchdog investigating Pornhub over concerns it can still be accessed by children
Ofcom says site’s age-checking regime may not be ‘highly effective’, as required by the Online Safety Act One of the world’s most visited pornography websites is being investigated by the UK’s communications watchdog over concerns it can still be accessed by children. Pornhub’s age checking regime may not be “highly effective”, according to Ofcom, and could be in breach of online safety laws…
The UK's communications watchdog, Ofcom, is investigating Pornhub, one of the world's most visited pornography websites, over concerns its age-checking regime may not be effective enough. The Online Safety Act requires strict measures to prevent under-18s from accessing sexually explicit content. Ofcom is examining Pornhub's use of Apple's age verification process to verify if users are of the appropriate age for pornography.
Pornhub had previously blocked access to new UK users but announced in May it would use device-level checks, allowing UK users 18 or older to access the site after confirming their age through Apple's system. Ofcom expressed concerns about this decision, stating it is the service provider's responsibility to ensure the age assurance process is highly effective.
They raised doubts about Pornhub's owner, Aylo, having conducted sufficient due diligence and testing before implementing the new age assurance process. Ofcom's investigation is not focused on Apple's age checks but on whether Aylo's reliance on the system aligns with the act. Some Ofcom checks show the website could have been accessed by children.
The regulator emphasized the importance of highly effective age checks to protect children from inappropriate or harmful material. A violation could result in fines of up to £18m or 10% of the company's global revenue.
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