U.K. Watchdog Launches Porn Dialer Awareness Campaign

LONDON — Forced to take action after it was deluged with complaints from dial-up Internet customers whose connections had been hijacked by porn dialers, a U.K. watchdog agency has issued guidelines for consumers who may be victimized.

Porn dialers reroute a dial-up connection away from the Internet service provider's number and through a premium-rate phone number, typically to a company based overseas.

The Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services, which regulates premium-rate telephone services in the U.K., says disputed bills have topped $3.6 million, or £2 million.

A brochure from the ICSTIS explains how to distinguish legitimate dialer services from those that reroute dial-up connections by tricking consumers.

It also explains how consumers can lodge a complaint if they have been duped into downloading a dialer.

ICSTIS has introduced a licensing program for companies that operate such dialers, with on-screen guidelines before the Internet call is rerouted.

Since announcing a crackdown on rogue internet dialers, British telecommunications company BT says it has blocked 1,000 numbers allegedly associated with the problem.

The telecom said it has begun blocking Internet traffic to both U.K. and international numbers it suspects of being used by the porn dialers.

BT said it has now dealt with 45,000 cases where customers have fallen victim to a rogue dialer, with a further 9,500 cases waiting to be resolved.

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