Ofcom initiated an investigation into Aylo, the owner of adult content site Pornhub, concerning the effectiveness of its recently implemented age verification process. The regulator raised questions about whether the company conducted adequate testing and due diligence before introducing a system that relies on third-party age checks from Apple.
Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, sites hosting pornographic material are required to implement highly effective age assurance mechanisms to restrict access to adults over 18. While the legislation mandates age verification, individual sites retain flexibility in choosing their verification methods. Ofcom’s investigation will focus on how Aylo implemented its age verification processes and whether the company performed necessary preparatory due diligence, though the regulator clarified it would not investigate Apple’s operations directly.
Aylo has defended its age verification system in a statement, asserting that Apple’s technology provides stronger protection than other age assurance methods currently available in the UK market. The company emphasized its willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation. Industry observers have raised concerns, however, with an executive from the Age Verification Providers Association questioning whether the device-based system alone can effectively demonstrate that children are prevented from accessing adult content consistently each time someone visits the site.
This investigation represents the latest regulatory action against the platform, which has faced mounting pressure to comply with Online Safety Act requirements. Earlier, the site drastically reduced access for UK users before later announcing it would restore availability for some users accessing through Apple devices who completed age verification through Apple’s iOS system. Ofcom retains authority to impose significant penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to £18 million or 10 percent of annual global turnover, whichever is greater.
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