Ofcom launches investigation into Pornhub over its age checks
UK regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, over concerns that its age verification processes are insufficient to protect children. The probe examines whether the company conducted adequate due diligence before implementing new age-check measures.
Why it matters
This investigation highlights the ongoing tension between tech platforms and government regulators regarding the enforcement of online safety laws for minors.
Image source, Getty Images By Laura Cress Technology reporter Published 23 September 2026, 09:38 BST Updated 10 minutes ago Ofcom has launched an investigation into Pornhub owner, Aylo, over whether the site's new age checks are effectively stopping children from accessing adult content.
The regulator said in May that Pornhub started using a new age verification process for some users, which relies on a third party, in this case Apple.
It said it had concerns that Aylo "may not have conducted sufficient due diligence and testing" before implementing this new process, and so it "may not be highly effective" at preventing children from seeing pornography.
Under the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA), sites that host pornographic material must use highly effective age assurance to ensure whether a user is over 18.
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