The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched an investigation into Pornhub over allegations that children can still access the site. Ofcom considers the age verification system used by the platform to be 'not highly effective'.
The investigation focuses on how Pornhub relies on Apple's verification system to determine whether users are adults. Pornhub had previously blocked access for new users in the UK in response to new legislation, and in May it announced it was implementing device-level checks. Users in the United Kingdom who have confirmed they are 18 or over via the Apple system are able to access the site, but Of expressed doubt about the correctness of this approach.
Of stated that the service provider must ensure that the verification process is highly effective, regardless of who conducts the check. They stated that they are concerned that Aylo, the owner of Pornhub, may not have conducted sufficient checks and testing before introducing the new age verification system. They suspect that their process is not sufficiently effective in preventing children from viewing pornography.
The focus of the investigation is not on the checks by Apple itself, but on the decision by Aylo to rely on that system. The responsibility for the reliability of the measures lies with the content provider. Some of the checks by Of on the device-level system have shown that children were still able to access the site.
George Lusty stated that online checks are a key protection that prevents children from encountering inappropriate or harmful material. He added that he expects technology companies to ensure that checks are highly effective before they are introduced. If it is found that Aylo has breached the law, he faces a fine of up to £18 million or 10 per cent of the company's global revenue, depending on which figure is higher.
Beeban Kidron expressed hope that the investigation would prompt the introduction of more effective checks. She stated that highly effective age verification systems that protect privacy have been available for years, and she hopes that this move by Of will raise the profile of this issue, not only in Pornhub but across the sector.
In July, Of reported 'significant progress' in the implementation of checks on platforms for pornography, social media, and dating sites. The proportion of children who encountered effective checks rose from 25 to 43 per cent in the period from July 2025 to January of this year. A smaller number of children, 8 per cent, attempted to access pornography, and half of those children encountered sites with checks in place. The regulator stressed that 'more needs to be done', and next year a ban on the use of social media by those under 16 will come into force.
