Ofcom investigates Pornhub owner Aylo over age verification

The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched an investigation into Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, regarding the effectiveness of its age verification processes. The probe focuses on whether the platform is complying with the Online Safety Act, which requires highly effective age assurance to prevent minors from accessing adult content.

In May, Pornhub partially restored access to UK users by implementing a new verification system that relies on Apple’s built-in age checks for iPhone and iPad users. Ofcom expressed concerns that Aylo may not have conducted sufficient due diligence or testing before deploying this method. The regulator noted that while it is not investigating Apple’s technology itself, the responsibility for ensuring a robust and effective verification process rests solely with the service provider.

If the investigation finds that Aylo has failed to comply with the law, the company could face significant penalties, including fines of up to £18 million or 10% of its annual global turnover, whichever is greater. Aylo has stated it will cooperate fully with the investigation and maintains that Apple’s system provides stronger protection than other available methods in the UK market.