Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into whether Pornhub operator Aylo complied with the UK Online Safety Act by sufficiently preventing under-18s from accessing pornography. Aylo said it relied on Apple’s device-level age-verification on iPhones and will cooperate with Ofcom. The regulator is focused on Aylo’s implementation and due diligence rather than Apple’s internal methods, and could impose fines up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying global revenue.
Ofcom Opens Formal Probe Into Pornhub After Aylo Relies On Apple's Age-Verification
Illustration shows a laptop with binary codes displayed in front of the UK flag in this illustration taken, August 19, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into whether Pornhub, operated by Aylo, met its obligations under the Online Safety Act to prevent under-18s from accessing pornographic material.
What Ofcom Is Investigating
Ofcom said it was "concerned that Aylo may not have conducted sufficient due diligence and testing before implementing its new age assurance process." The regulator clarified that its inquiry will focus on Aylo's implementation and compliance with the law, and "will not make a determination on how Apple operates its age checks."
Aylo's Position
Aylo announced in May that Pornhub would rely on Apple’s device-level age-verification on iPhones to confirm that users are at least 18. Alex Kekesi, Aylo's vice president for brand and community, said the company will fully cooperate with Ofcom and argued that Apple’s update "offers one of the strongest and hardest to circumvent protections currently available."
Potential Consequences
Ofcom has powers to fine businesses up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, and can block non-compliant sites. The regulator has previously levied fines totalling more than £1 million on adult-content platforms for age-check failures. (Exchange rate used in reports: $1 = 0.7521 pounds.)
Why This Matters: The investigation tests how platforms can lawfully rely on device-level verification tools, and whether firms must carry out additional checks and testing to meet statutory duties to protect children online.
Reporting credited to Reuters.
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