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

Ameena Green on Delayed Gratification and Finding her 'Synthesis' Moment

In an industry that sometimes moves at breakneck speed, Ameena Green is taking it slow.

Pearl Industry Network Launches 'TrustLink' Verification Platform for Creators

Trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched TrustLink, its free verification platform for creators.

Juliana Marie Makes Her West Coast Productions Debut

Juliana Marie has made her debut for West Coast Productions (WCP), alongside Jovan Jordan, in the studio’s latest release, titled “The Monster Tamer.”

Krystal Sparks, Nicky Huntsman & Natalia Starr Front 'Austin Powers' Parody From MYLF

Krystal Sparks, Natalia Starr, and Nicky Huntsman star with Quinton James in a new “Austin Powers” parody from MYLF.

Scarlet Chase Stars in 'Slippery Sloppy Slut' From SecretCrush

Evil Angel has released the latest scene from Scarlet Chase's SecretCrush brand, titled "Slippery Sloppy Slut."

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rejects Tariffs, Trump Responds

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled against the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs, which have significantly impacted the pleasure industry, prompting the president to announce a new tariff strategy as a workaround.

Ricky's Room Releases New Title 'Gemini's Room'

Ricky’s Room has released its Baby Gemini showcase, "Gemini’s Room," on DVD.

Candee Licious, Zazie Skymm Star in Latest From MixedX

Candee Licious and Zazie Skymm star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “The Other Memory.”

FSC Updates Complaint in Tennessee AV Case, AG Motions to Dismiss

The Free Speech Coalition this week filed an amended complaint in its lawsuit challenging the Protect Tennessee Minors Act as unconstitutional, in response to which the Tennessee attorney general motioned for dismissal of the case.

Show More