Britain's media regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into whether adult content platform Pornhub is effectively preventing under-18s from accessing its content. The probe focuses on Aylo, Pornhub’s owner, and its reliance on Apple’s age-verification process to confirm users are over 18.
Key Takeaways
Ofcom is investigating whether Pornhub effectively prevents under-18s from accessing its content using Apple’s age-verification process. The regulator expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Aylo’s due diligence and testing before implementing this new system.
- Ofcom investigates Pornhub's use of Apple’s age verification for UK users
- Concerns raised over the effectiveness of Aylo’s due diligence and testing
- Fines up to £18m or 10% of global revenue possible if violations found
- Pornhub says it will cooperate fully with the investigation
⚖
▼Source Claims Check
High ConsensusAll 3 publishers report consistent facts across 3 key claims.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investigation Focus | Broad Agreement | Ofcom investigates Pornhub’s use of Apple’s age verification for UK users | |
| Due Diligence Concerns | Broad Agreement | Ofcom concerned Aylo may not have conducted sufficient due diligence and testing. | |
| Potential Fines | Broad Agreement | Fines up to £18m or 10% of global revenue possible if violations found |
Investigation Focus
Broad AgreementOfcom investigates Pornhub’s use of Apple’s age verification for UK users
Due Diligence Concerns
Broad AgreementOfcom concerned Aylo may not have conducted sufficient due diligence and testing.
Potential Fines
Broad AgreementFines up to £18m or 10% of global revenue possible if violations found
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
According to multiple reports, Ofcom expressed concerns that Aylo may not have conducted sufficient due diligence and testing before implementing the new age assurance process. The regulator emphasized that it is the service provider's responsibility to ensure robust age-checking measures under the Online Safety Act.
The investigation comes after Pornhub announced in May that it would use device-level checks, allowing users who had confirmed they were 18 or older through Apple’s verification process to access the site. Ofcom stated that its inquiry is not focused on Apple's age checks specifically but rather on whether Aylo’s reliance on this system complies with the act.
Ofcom has the power to fine non-compliant businesses up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue, whichever is greater. The regulator has already fined adult content platforms over age check failures. Pornhub's vice-president of brand and community, Alex Kekesi, said the company would cooperate fully with the investigation.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 3 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.