The European Union has initiated a formal investigation into major adult content websites, including Pornhub and XNXX, amid rising concerns regarding online child safety.

The investigation centers on key allegations against these platforms, such as their failure to implement age verification tools, inadequate risk assessments, and a lack of transparency in content moderation.

This scrutiny is part of the broader framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which was enacted in 2022 and is enforceable as of 2024, mandating Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) to conduct risk assessments and implement user safety measures.

If these platforms are found in violation of the DSA, they could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue and may be required to make operational changes or face temporary access restrictions.

In a related development, Stripchat is expected to lose its VLOP status due to a decline in average monthly users below 45 million, but it will still be subject to DSA obligations.

Legal experts anticipate a strong backlash from the platforms involved, while child safety advocates are in favor of the investigation, viewing it as a crucial step toward accountability.

The EU's actions could establish a precedent for stricter regulations on adult content globally, potentially impacting countries such as the US, Canada, and Australia.

Notably, Pornhub is operated by Aylo Freesites Ltd. in Cyprus, while XNXX and XVideos are linked to Czech companies, and Stripchat is also based in Cyprus, which facilitates EU jurisdiction.