U.K. Regulators Fine Adult Companies Over Content, Age Verification

LONDON — Regulators on Monday lowered the boom on two adult entertainment companies owned by British media mogul Richard Desmond, fining them about $80,000 over the lack of age-verification labels on websites and airing content that was too explicit for television.

Ofcom, which regulates online and broadcast content in the U.K., said Desmond-owned Portland Enterprises Limited was fined after a “Bathroom Bitches” was shown on Television X2 last September during the day hours.

Ofcom officials said an episode of “Bathroom Bitches” included scenes of a woman masturbating, earning the company a $42,000 fine. Television X2 includes primarily amateur content, including the “girl-next-door, U.K. housewives and suburban couples.

In the U.K., adult content operators can show encrypted programming only during the hours of 10 p.m.-5:30 a.m.

Another of Desmond’s properties, RHF Productions Limited, was fined more than $38,000 after its Red Hot services promoted websites without any age verification.

RHF Productions broadcast trailers over Red Hot TV, which included references to RHF's website address and a Portland Enterprises web address.

The websites featured content equivalent to R18-rated material, which could be viewed without registration, Ofcom said.

Ofcom also received complaints about explicit sexual content being shown during the daytime in promotional graphics on the Red Hot Channels.

The still pictures did not show any explicit content but did refer to URLs that led to websites containing explicit sexual material equivalent to R18-rated material, which could be seen by individuals under the age of 18.

"Licensees must ensure that they do not broadcast references to websites which give access to R18-rated equivalent material without appropriate protection," Ofcom said in a release.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 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

BranditScan Rolls Out 'Leak Detection' Update

BranditScan has updated its Leak Detection feature for OnlyFans creators.

TeamSkeet to Premiere New Series 'Under The Table'

TeamSkeet will debut its new limited series, "Under the Table" next month.

Brazzers Debuts New Series 'Bro Code'

Brazzers has released the first installment of its new limited series, "Bro Code."

Emma Rosie Leads Latest Volume of 'Oil Explosion' From Elegant Angel

Emma Rosie stars in the 10th volume of Elegant Angel’s “Oil Explosion.”

Arcom Targets 31 Adult Sites Over Age Verification

French media regulator Arcom on Wednesday announced that it is taking action against 31 adult websites that the agency says have failed to implement age verification as required under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has published the top search terms for May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Daniella Renae Headlines 2nd Volume of 'Big Tit MILFs' From Reality Junkies

Daniella Renae toplines the second volume of "Big Tit MILFs" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

ChatGains Joins Pineapple Support as Partner-Level Sponsor

ChatGains has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Private Releases 2nd Volume of 'Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis'

Private has released the second volume of “Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

Charlie Forde, Mickey Mod & Derek Kage Star in 'A Surprise for Charlie' From Dorcel

Charlie Forde stars with Mickey Mod and multi-XMAs winner Derek Kage in “A Surprise for Charlie,” from Dorcel.

Show More