Ofcom probes whether Pornhub’s age checks keep children out

Ofcom, the UK communications regulator¹, is investigating Aylo, Pornhub’s owner, to determine whether the site’s new age checks effectively stop children from accessing adult content, the BBC reported².

Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, pornography sites must use highly effective age assurance to keep under-18s out; Ofcom enforcement director George Lusty said online age checks protect children.

Ofcom is examining Aylo’s use of Apple’s device-level age checks, and the Guardian reported that some Ofcom checks showed children could still access the site¹.

Apple treats some users as over 18 if they have a credit card on file or have used Apple for a significant time; others may need to verify their age with official ID¹.

Ofcom said it was concerned Aylo “may not have conducted sufficient due diligence and testing”; Aylo defended its system and said it would “cooperate fully” with the investigation¹.

Aylo argues Apple’s system offers “significantly stronger protection” than other UK age-check methods, while age-verification expert Iain Corby questioned whether a device-based check can ensure the same person is using it each time².

If Ofcom finds a company failed to comply with the law, it can impose a fine of up to £18 million or 10% of annual global turnover, whichever is greater².

Ofcom says it will assess how Aylo implements its age checks and whether it carried out the necessary due diligence before putting them in place².

Sources

1. Pornhub investigated over concerns it can still be accessed by UK children | Pornography | The Guardian
2. Pornhub age checks investigated by Ofcom