Ofcom launches investigation into 34 porn websites over new age checks
Dozens of porn websites probed over new age checks
- Ofcom has launched investigations into four companies operating 34 pornography websites for non-compliance with new age-check requirements under the UK's Online Safety Act.
- The regulator is examining whether these websites, which collectively attract nine million UK visitors monthly, have sufficient measures in place to protect children from inappropriate content.
- These companies join others, such as 4chan, already under investigation by Ofcom for allegedly allowing users to access illegal content.
- The Online Safety Act grants Ofcom powers to impose fines of up to £18 million or 10 per cent of worldwide revenue, whichever is larger, for non-compliance.
- Ofcom can also seek court orders for 'business disruption measures,' including forcing payment providers or advertisers to cease services, or banning internet companies from allowing access to non-compliant sites.