Ofcom opens an investigation into Pornhub owner Aylo to determine whether it has complied with OSA requirements to prevent under-18s from accessing porn

The UK's pornography age verification standard is under scrutiny, potentially leading to stricter requirements for platforms.

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has initiated an investigation into Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, concerning the effectiveness of its new age verification system. Introduced in May, the system uses a third-party provider, Apple, to verify users are over 18, a requirement under the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA). Ofcom expressed concerns that Aylo may not have conducted sufficient due diligence and testing before implementing this process, potentially rendering it ineffective in preventing minors from accessing pornography. The investigation will examine Aylo's implementation and due diligence practices but will not scrutinize Apple's age checks. Failure to comply with the OSA's age verification requirements can result in fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global annual turnover.

This investigation signals a critical moment for online age verification technologies and their implementation by major platforms. The OSA mandates "highly effective" age assurance, and Ofcom's scrutiny of Aylo's due diligence highlights the regulator's commitment to enforcing these standards, potentially setting a precedent for other adult content providers. The outcome could influence how other platforms approach age verification, balancing user privacy with regulatory compliance and the need to protect minors.

The investigation affects users and platforms by raising questions about the efficacy and implementation of current age verification methods, particularly those relying on third-party integrations like Apple's. If Aylo's system is found wanting, it could prompt a broader industry re-evaluation of age verification strategies, possibly leading to more intrusive or complex methods. Consumers may face more friction when accessing adult content, while companies will need to invest further in robust and compliant solutions to avoid significant penalties.