Record £1 Million Age Verification Fine Hits Adult Website Operator

The UK’s communications regulator has issued its largest penalty yet under new online safety laws. Ofcom fined AVS Group Ltd £1 million for failing to stop children from accessing pornography. The Belize-based company runs 18 adult websites accessible in Britain.An additional £50,000 penalty was added because the company ignored Ofcom’s information requests. This landmark action signals a major crackdown on platforms violating the Online Safety Act.

Why This Fine Marks a Turning Point

According to Ofcom, AVS Group Ltd did not use proper age checks. Its systems were not strong enough to block under-18 users. The law requires “highly effective” age assurance to protect minors.New rules for adult sites started in July 2025. Ofcom has since investigated 92 online services. The regulator is prioritizing sites with the largest UK audiences due to higher risks.Oliver Griffiths from Ofcom told the BBC this is part of a “broader tide turning.” He said the goal is wholesale change. The regulator wants every adult site to use strong age verification.

Stiff Penalties for Non-Cooperation

AVS Group Ltd never replied to Ofcom. This lack of response led to extra fines. The company now faces a strict deadline.It must install correct age checks within 72 hours. If it fails, a £1,000 daily penalty will apply. Another £300 daily fine will continue until it provides requested information.The company is registered in Belize. Reports indicate it has no physical offices there. Attempts by the BBC to reach its parent platform received no answer.

The Challenge of Enforcement and VPNs

Enforcing these rules is tricky. Many users employ VPNs to bypass location-based blocks. VPN usage spiked after age checks began.Research shows most new VPN users are not children. Still, the loophole remains a concern for regulators. Major adult sites have seen huge drops in UK traffic.Pornhub’s parent company reported a 77% fall in UK visitors. This shows the new rules are having a tangible impact on access.

Wider Regulatory Action on the Horizon

Ofcom’s focus is expanding beyond adult content. One major social media firm may face action for poor risk assessments. Its reports on illegal content like fraud were inadequate.Another platform is under review for hate and terror material removal. Enforcement will follow if systems do not improve. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall fully backs Ofcom’s powers.She stated keeping children safe online is a top government priority. The law aims to end an era where platforms put profits before safety.

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Calls for Even Stronger Action

Some advocates say fines are not enough. Baroness Beeban Kidron argues for business disruption. She believes only forceful use of the law will create real change.Ofcom has also fined deepfake “nudify” apps and the site 4Chan. The regulator is prepared to name and shame failing platforms. More than 90 websites are still under investigation.Enforcement will ramp up significantly in 2026. Penalties could reach £18 million or 10% of global revenue. In severe cases, sites could be blocked in the UK entirely.

This record age verification fine sets a clear precedent for the UK’s online safety regime. It demonstrates Ofcom’s willingness to use its full powers against non-compliant firms. The message to the industry is unequivocal: protect children or face severe consequences.

Info at your fingertips

What is the AVS Group Ltd fine for?

Ofcom fined AVS Group Ltd £1 million for weak age verification on its 18 adult websites. An extra £50,000 was added because the company did not respond to the regulator’s questions.

What does “highly effective age assurance” mean?

It means systems that robustly prevent under-18s from accessing adult content. Simple self-declaration of age is not sufficient. The rules are part of the UK’s Online Safety Act.

How many sites is Ofcom investigating?

Ofcom has opened investigations into 92 online services since July 2025. This includes 83 pornography websites currently under review for potential breaches of the age verification law.

Can a VPN bypass these age checks?

Yes, a Virtual Private Network can mask a user’s location. This allows access to sites that restrict UK visitors. Ofcom notes a rise in VPN use but says children are not the primary drivers.

What happens if a company ignores the fine?

Ofcom can impose daily penalties until compliance is reached. Future fines under the Act can be much larger, up to £18 million. Persistent offenders risk having their service blocked in the UK.

Are social media platforms included?

Yes. Major platforms must also assess risks and use age assurance. Ofcom is scrutinizing one social media company for poor illegal content assessments. Enforcement action is likely.