Cameron's Porn Initiative Could Bring About Fraud Schemes

Cameron's Porn Initiative Could Bring About Fraud Schemes

LONDON — Kaspersky Labs’ top security researcher warned of disturbing consequences if U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s latest porn initiative imposes users to hand over credit card and other payment details to access legal adult entertainment.

This week, Cameron said that porn sites would face being shut down unless its operators take action to stop children accessing their sexually explicit material.

Cameron’s call for age checks, however, could be problematic because it could lead to massive instances of fraud, according to David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky Labs.

“My worry would be that we would start seeing a spate of phishing sites being created, using the lure of pornographic content,” Emm told the U.K.’s Expert Reviews.

Emm said the sites would be able to steal valuable data “under the guise that we need your credit card details to verify you.”

Commercial porn sites would be affected, too, becoming a target for hackers, who would “install malware on a site to steal personal information,” he said.

One recent case that comes to mind involves Ashley Madison, the matchmaking site for those seeking extra-marital affairs.

Hackers breached its security and stole its database, which could expose thousands to blackmail attempts.

Emm suggested it would be better if ISPs, rather than credit card companies, were to verify the age of users every time they went online.

He said that U.K. ISPs already have your bank details, so there’s no increased risk, and they could act as a gatekeeper to online porn content.

“On first access to the Internet, I’m required to enter a password that I set up when I first established an account,” Emms told Expert Reviews.

He said children would have separate accounts, which would automatically bar access to adult content, using existing filtering systems.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

German Higher Court Upholds Ban on PornHub, YouPorn

The Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate on Thursday upheld a “network ban” on Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn for failing to comply with German age verification regulations.

Alabama Notifying Adult Sites of New Tax Set to Take Effect Sept. 1

The Alabama Department of Revenue has begun sending notices to adult site operators about a new 10% tax on their revenues, set to be enforced starting Sept. 1.

Ondato, CCBill Announce Strategic Partnership for Global High-Risk Market

Age and identity verification firm Ondato and payment processor CCBill have formed a strategic partnership to serve the global high-risk market.

Ofcom Investigates 4 More Adult Companies for OSA Compliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into whether four companies operating adult websites have implemented requisite age assurance measures under the Online Safety Act, the agency announced Thursday.

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Show More