Ofcom Fines Adult Website $1.83M for Failing to Implement Age Verification

UK media regulator Ofcom has fined 8579 LLC $1.83 million for failing to implement mandatory age verification on its adult websites. The company was also fined £50,000 for ignoring a legally binding information request. The enforcement marks one of the most significant actions under the UK’s Online Safety Act.

Since July 2025, the Online Safety Act requires adult websites operating in the United Kingdom to verify users’ ages. The legislation aims to prevent minors from accessing pornographic material and other harmful content, including material related to self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide.

In 2025, Ofcom launched an investigation into 8579 LLC, which operates several adult websites. The regulator concluded that the company failed to deploy adequate age verification mechanisms. As a result, Ofcom imposed a £1.35 million fine and ordered the company to immediately implement “highly effective age assurance.” Failure to comply could result in a daily penalty of £1,000. Additionally, Ofcom stated that the company ignored multiple legally binding information requests. For this violation, 8579 LLC received a £50,000 fine and faces an additional £250 per day for up to 60 days until it responds fully.

George Lusty, Director of Enforcement at Ofcom, stated:

“We’ve been clear that adult sites must deploy robust age checks to protect children in the UK from seeing porn. Those that fail to do this, or ignore legally binding requests from us, should expect to face fines.”

Earlier this month, Ofcom also fined Kick Online Entertainment SA £800,000 for similar failures, plus £30,000 for ignoring information requests.

Suzanne Cater, Director of Enforcement at Ofcom, emphasized:

“Having highly effective age checks on adult sites to protect children from pornographic content is non-negotiable. Any company that fails to meet this duty, or engage with us, can expect to face robust enforcement action, including significant fines.”

The Online Safety Act allows fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global annual turnover — whichever is higher. The law was introduced following years of debate over child protection and platform accountability in the digital space. Ofcom’s recent enforcement actions indicate a shift from warnings to concrete penalties, signaling stricter oversight of online platforms operating in the UK.

The $1.83 million fine sends a clear message: age verification is no longer optional for adult platforms in the UK. Companies that fail to comply with the Online Safety Act face serious financial and reputational consequences.