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

Final Defendant Sentenced in GirlsDoPorn Case

Former adult producer Doug Wiederhold, previously a business partner of GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt, was sentenced on Friday in federal court to four years in prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Connie Perignon Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Abigaiil Morris and Kira Noir in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fast Food Fight & Fuck."

Bella Bare Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Bella Bare stars with her husband The Remedy, Chocolate Rod, and Richard Mann in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

FTC Takes Another Step Toward New 'Click to Cancel' Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is negotiating the latest procedural hurdle in its effort to renew rulemaking concerning negative option plans, after a federal court previously vacated a “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

Mandii Rose Makes Her MYLF Debut

Mandii Rose has made her MYLF debut alongside Axel Haze in the studio’s latest release.

Pineapple Support, Brazzers to Host 'Navigating Relationships' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Brazzers are hosting a free online support group for performers to build and maintain healthy relationships.

Aylo, SWOP Behind Bars to Host 'Deplatforming' Community Panel

Aylo and Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP) Behind Bars will host a panel on creators’ rights and deplatforming on Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. (EST).

Bobbii Rose Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Bobbii Rose has made her TransAngels debut opposite Chad Dorado in the studio’s latest release, titled “Furry Fantasy.”

Greta Foss, Sofia Smith Topline Angelo Godshack's 'Angels of Hardcore 4'

Greta Foss and Sofia Smith headline director Angelo Godshack’s “Angels of Hardcore 4,” from Evil Angel.

Adult Trade Group Pearl Industry Network to Debut at Taboo Vancouver

Pearl Industry Network (PiN), a new trade group for the adult industry focused on content creators, will debut at Taboo Vancouver adult lifestyle and wellness expo next week.

Show More