ATVOD Says Porn Enforcement on Rise

ATVOD Says Porn Enforcement on Rise

LONDON — ATVOD said in its annual report released today that the British video-on-demand regulator saw a spike in the number of porn websites it took action against in the past year.

Pete Johnson, the CEO of ATVOD, told XBIZ that the number of porn websites it has taken action against has “risen sharply,” a figure that is fivefold — 137 websites in 2014-15 compared to 27 sites in 2013-14.

In the report, ATVOD said that of the 137 sites involving 12 companies found to be in breach of statutory rules in the past 12 months, eight companies acted to make changes to bring the service into compliance or closed, and two were the subject of continuing ongoing enforcement activity. The remaining two companies were transferred to the control of a person or company established outside the U.K.

ATVOD’s main enforcement weapons include Rule 11, a U.K. statute that requires operators to make sure those under 18 can't access hardcore porn, and Rule 14, which outlaws VOD websites from containing "prohibited material" — content that would be denied a British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) certificate.

That prohibited material includes the distribution of content that includes acts of female ejaculation, spanking, fisting, water sports, full bondage and other types of strong explicit content.

ATVOD also enforces regulations over U.K.-based sites that fail to register with the VOD co-regulator.

Johnson, in a release earlier this morning, hinted that ATVOD plans increased enforcement with Rules 11 and 14 going forward.

“Looking forward, we note with interest the Conservative Party manifesto commitment to require age verification for access to all websites containing pornographic material,” Johnson said in a press release. “We have made good progress in ensuring that U.K. operators of regulated VOD services comply with rules designed to protect children from harmful content, but we are not complacent and will continue to monitor relevant services and act as required.”

The annual report also revealed that ATVOD Chairwoman Ruth Evans, who yesterday announced that she was tapped to lead the British government’s Payments Strategy Forum, will be leaving ATVOD in December after six years with the agency.

A new ATVOD chair has not yet been chosen to replace Evans.

View ATVOD's annual report

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

CamSoda Launches 'Trick or Tease' AI Companions

CamSoda has launched its Halloween-themed Trick or Tease AI companions.

Russian Lawmakers Call for Age Verification

Two Russian lawmakers have called on the country’s government to implement age verification for adult content.

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Penthouse Announces Digital Archive Launch

Penthouse Magazine has announced that it will launch a comprehensive digital archive in 2026.

Dreamcam Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

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

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for August, September

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in August and September.

AV in Focus: A Guide to Unlocking Compliance With Clarity

The age verification era isn’t coming — it’s here. Laws are already on the books in numerous U.S. states, as well as in the U.K., France and beyond.

Canadian Privacy Commissioner Endorses National AV Bill

Philippe Dufresne, privacy commissioner of Canada, has voiced support for a bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Ricky Johnson Launches 'Ricky's Resort' Through YourPaysitePartner

Ricky's Room studio honcho Ricky Johnson has launched his latest site, RickysResort.com, through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Show More