UK Regulator Probes Adult Websites Over Lack of Child Safety Age Checks

UK communications regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into two adult websites, Itai Tech Ltd and Score Internet Group LLC, for allegedly failing to implement adequate age verification measures to protect children from accessing explicit content. This action follows the UK’s newly introduced Online Safety Act, which requires all sites with pornographic material to introduce robust age-checking systems by July. Ofcom noted that while most major adult content providers have outlined effective age assurance methods or have blocked UK users entirely, the two companies in question did not respond to requests for information or demonstrate plans to comply. One of the platforms under scrutiny uses AI-driven ‘nudifying’ technology to simulate the removal of clothing in images or videos, raising additional concerns about the creation of sexually explicit images, particularly involving minors. The Children’s Commissioner has called for a total ban on such AI applications. The new regulations may also impact some social media platforms and are expected to change how UK adults access certain online services. Critics of the measures warn that stricter age checks could drive young people to less regulated, potentially more dangerous sites. The investigation highlights the ongoing challenges regulators face in balancing online safety, privacy, and access to digital services.