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

Jazmine Cruz, McKenzie Mae Make Their Girlsway Debuts

Jazmine Cruz and McKenzie Mae make their Girlsway debuts in the latest installment of "Mommy's Girl," titled "The Bare Minimum."

Alanna Pow Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Alanna Pow stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers.

Kimmy Kimm, Khloe Kapri & Alex Jones Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Kimmy Kimm and Khloe Kapri star with multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones in the latest scene from Bellesa Plus, titled “Her Last Day.”

BranditScan Rolls Out 2 New Platform Features

BranditScan has introduced its new Traffic Optimization and Doxing Protection features for creators.

FreeUse to Drop New Limited Series 'Time Stop'

FreeUse will premiere a three-part limited series next week, titled “Time Stop.”

NMG Management Partners With Cosplayground to Scale Distribution

NMG Management has partnered with Cosplayground to expand the studio’s digital distribution and licensing operations.

Dreamcam Rolls Out 'Voice Translator AI'

Dreamcam has introduced a Voice Translator AI to its livestreaming platform.

UK Government May Limit 'Step' Porn Ban With New Amendments

The U.K. Ministry of Justice on Friday revealed new government amendments to the pending Crime and Policing Bill, potentially limiting a pending ban on “step” content to apply only if adult performers role-play as minors.

Lola Riley Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Lola Riley has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband, Devon, and Hollywood Cash.

Andi Avalon Is April's 'MYLF of the Month'

Andi Avalon has been named "MYLF of the Month" for April and stars in a new release with Nade Nasty.

Show More