Full Breakdown
Ofcom Investigates Aylo’s Age-Verification System for Pornhub
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Probe Launched Over Age-Check Effectiveness
On 22 September 2026, Ofcom opened an enforcement investigation into Aylo Freesites Ltd, the owner of Pornhub, concerning the company’s age-verification process introduced earlier in 2026. Ofcom said it is concerned that Aylo may not have conducted sufficient due diligence and testing before adopting a system that relies on signals from Apple to confirm users’ ages.
Background & Context: UK Online Safety Act Requirements
The Online Safety Act 2023 obliges regulated user-to-user services to carry out children’s access assessments, a duty that took effect on 16 April 2025. A further requirement to implement “highly effective” age assurance began on 25 July 2025. Providers must ensure any third-party age-check, such as Apple’s, is integrated in a way that reliably determines whether a user is a child.
Official Statements & Responses
Ofcom’s Director of Enforcement, George Lusty, emphasized that “online age checks are a vital protection to prevent children from encountering inappropriate or harmful material, including pornography.” The regulator noted it could impose fines of up to £18 million or 10 % of global turnover for non-compliance.
Data & Statistics
Aylo reported that UK traffic fell by more than 75 % after the introduction of stricter age checks, though the company suggested some users may be bypassing the system with VPNs. Earlier in the year the company announced it would restrict UK access to Pornhub, allowing only existing account holders to log in. Later in the year Aylo said it would restore access for UK Apple users who had verified their age via the latest iOS version.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Online age checks are a vital protection to prevent children from encountering inappropriate or harmful material, including pornography.” — Ofcom's Director, of Enforcement