U.K.'s Ofcom Fines HardGlamCash Operator

LONDON — Ofcom, the U.K.'s chief communications regulator, last week imposed a penalty of £1,500 against the operator of 14 adult websites offering face-sitting, smoking and foot-fetish fare.

Online adult operator James Farey, who ran the U.K.-based HardGlamCash program with accompanying websites, was found to be liable for not registering the sites with ATVOD, which regulates video-on-demand content, and allowing access to sexually explicit R18-equivalent material without a system in place that would restrict under-18s from accessing it.

Farey's websites that were found in violation of Rule11, which pertains to age verification, included HardGlam.com, UKFacesittingSluts.com, BigObjectSluts.com, HardcoreMachines.com, SlutsInCostumes.com, UKFootSluts.com, UKHardcoreFucking.com, UKHardcoreLesbians.com, UKNylonSluts.com, UKPantieSluts.com, SmokeyMouths.com, UKStockingSluts.com and OnlyCFNM.com.

Farey could have faced a much larger penalty for violating Rule 11, as well as other violations relative to failing to register the VOD sites with ATVOD. Ofcom noted that Farey could have faced penalties up to £250,000 in the case.

But Ofcom in its ruling said that Farey had closed all of the sites last month and that he thought the correspondence ATVOD originally had sent him was part of a scam

Farey "explained he had not intended to delay or impede the regulatory process and that there were a number of exceptional personal circumstances which had led to him, in his words, putting his, “head in the sand.”

"He noted that he was not well connected in the adult or VOD industries and had run a business focusing on niche fetishes — principally women smoking — for nine years without realizing compliance with ATVOD rules was required," Ofcom said. "When ATVOD contacted him, he had not known where to turn for advice and, having previously fallen victim to scams, had erroneously believed registration with ATVOD was either a scam or at least not a legal requirement."

Farey also said the assumptions in Ofcom’s preliminary view “massively overstated” the size of his business and expressed concerns about his ability to continue the business were a fine over four figures to be imposed.

"He said that since Ofcom had taken action in relation to the service, his main payment provider had suspended payment provision in relation to the service and he had not been able to receive any income or publish new content, leaving him with the costs for the premises he used for filming but no income to cover those costs," Ofcom said. "He indicated that he had to borrow money to cover these costs."

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

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More