Ofcom has opened an investigation into Pornhub (Aylo) to assess whether its Apple-based age checks in the UK meet the Online Safety Act’s age‑assurance requirements, with preliminary findings suggesting insufficient due diligence before the new system was rolled out and potential access by children.

If Aylo is found to breach the law, the company could face a fine of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, whichever is greater.

Ofcom noted progress in age-check implementation across platforms, reporting an increase in the share of children encountering highly effective checks from 25% to 43% between mid-2025 and early 2026, while stressing more work is needed ahead of under-16 social media restrictions.

Beeban Kidron welcomed the investigation, underscoring the need for privacy-preserving, highly effective age checks and urging sector-wide action.

The Online Safety Act requires providers to reassess age-appropriateness when making significant changes or when evidence indicates reduced effectiveness, with Ofcom gathering evidence before deciding on any contravention.

Ofcom’s Enforcement Director emphasized the importance of effective online age checks to shield children from inappropriate material.

Traffic to Pornhub in the UK plummeted after the Online Safety Act took effect, with reports of a 47% drop and later up to 77% by autumn 2025, driving access changes.

The investigation fits into wider UK efforts to bolster online safety, including upcoming policies targeting under-16s on social media and broader age-verification improvements.

Criticism of Ofcom’s perceived inaction on the Online Safety Act persists, while policymakers note limited impact of age verification so far; Ofcom argues it is enforcing and pursuing broader measures against larger platforms.

Pornhub/Aylo had previously adjusted access rules, including blocking new UK users and relying on device-level checks and Apple verification to gate access, with some UK users whose age was verified via Apple able to retain access.

Aylo has said it will cooperate with Ofcom and argues that Apple’s device-level age verification provides strong protection, with its VP for Brand and Community affirming support for Ofcom and the investigation.

Aylo is transitioning to device-level verification for UK users and leaning on Apple’s verification as its age-confirmation method, amid ongoing criticism that the system remains flawed.