U.K. Refines Powers of New Age-Verification Regulator

U.K. Refines Powers of New Age-Verification Regulator

LONDON — A new report released today offers guidance on various key elements of the U.K.’s new age-verification regulatory regime under the Digital Economy Act.

The U.K.’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport released the 16-page report, which spells out the regulator's approach to exercising its authority over offending adult websites.

The paper, revised from a March 2017 report with input from key stakeholders, was delivered today to Parliament.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which last year signed on to assume the role of regulator, will be tasked to police the web for sites that don’t comply with mandatory age-verification checks for hardcore fare.

The regulator can levy fines of up to £250,000, or five percent of a company’s revenue, when appropriate, to offending adult sites.

The report offers understanding how the regulation of online adult content is intended to operate, specifically relative to age-verification arrangements, the appeals process and responsibilities of payment-service providers and ancillary service providers, such as traffic companies and hosting companies. It also offers guidance on ISP blocking and reporting.

“The process of verifying age for adults should be concerned only with the need to establish that the user is aged 18 or above,” the paper said. “The privacy of adult users of pornographic sites should be maintained and the potential for fraud or misuse of personal data should be safeguarded.”

The report noted that the regulator is not required to approve individual age-verification companies. As a result, a small cottage industry has sprouted up offering such services.

So far, XBIZ has identified a half-dozen companies that have launched age-verification products and services. Age checks will be mandatory in the U.K. by May.

“There are various ways to age verify online and the industry is developing at pace,” the report said. “Providers are innovating and providing choice to consumers.

“The key focus of many age-verification providers is on privacy and specifically providing verification, rather than identification of the individual.”

The regulator, according to the paper, “should take a proportionate approach” against violators, particularly against sites that generate a “large amount” of revenue.

When an offending site has been identified, the regulator will issue notifications to ISPs on a scheduled basis in the expectation that ISPs will implement a blocking order within three working days.

The report also noted that the regulator should assist with an ongoing review of the effectiveness of the new regime and its functions.

“The secretary of state considers that it would be good practice for the regulator to submit to the secretary of state an annual report on the exercise of its functions and their effectiveness,” the report said.

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

Kasey Kei Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Kasey Kei stars with Olivia Jay in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "You’re Worth The Wait."

Adult Time Debuts Bree Mills Drama 'Hard Stop'

Adult Time has released the first installment of the Bree Mills-helmed drama "Hard Stop."

Ricky's Room Drops 3rd Installment of Baby Gemini Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the third installment of its Baby Gemini showcase, titled "Gemini’s Blowbang."

Free Speech Coalition Appoints Megan Stokes to Board of Directors

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that it has appointed Megan Stokes to its Board of Directors.

Nina Heels Leads Dorcel's 'Girls At Work 6'

Nina Heels headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Girls At Work — Stories #6.”

Lexi Lore Stars in Latest Installment of 'Under the Bed'

Lexi Lore stars with Parker Ambrose and Axel Haze in the latest installment of Pure Taboo series “Under the Bed,” titled “Game of Spirits.”

Elegant Angel Showcase 'Jodi West Goes Gonzo' Premieres

Jodi West gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Khloe Kapri, Sophia Locke Lead 'The Mistress 7' From Sweet Sinner

Khloe Kapri and Sophia Locke star in “The Mistress 7,” from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Eve Sweet Performs Her 1st Gangbang for Blacked

Vixen Angel Eve Sweet has performed her first gangbang in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked.

Violet Voss Fronts Latest From Mofos

Violet Voss stars in the latest scene from Mofos, titled “Pitching a Tent for Violet.”

Show More