Smaller adult video-sharing sites based in the UK do not have sufficiently robust access control measures in place to stop children accessing pornography, Ofcom has found in a new report published today.
They all have age verification measures in place when users sign up to post content. However, users can generally access adult content just by self-declaring that they are over 18.
One smaller adult platform told said the regulator that it had considered implementing age verification, but had decided not to as it would reduce the profitability of the business.
However, the largest UK-based site with adult content, OnlyFans, has responded to regulation by adopting age verification for all new UK subscribers, using third-party tools provided by Yoti and Ondato.
According to new research we most people do not mind proving their age online in general, with a majority expecting to have to do so for certain online activities. A similar proportion feel internet users should be required to verify their age when accessing pornography online, especially on dedicated adult sites.
Over the next year, adult sites that we already regulate must have in place a clear roadmap to implementing robust age verification measures.
If they don’t, they could face enforcement action. Under future online safety laws, Ofcom will have broader powers to ensure that many more services are protecting children from adult content.
Some progress protecting users, but more to be done
Ofcom says it has seen some companies make positive changes more broadly to protect users from harmful content online, including as a direct result of being regulated under the existing laws.
For example:
TikTok now categorises content that may be unsuitable for younger users, to prevent them from viewing it. It has also established an Online Safety Oversight Committee, which provides executive oversight of content and safety compliance specifically within the UK and EU.
Snapchat recently launched a parental control feature, Family Center, which allows parents and guardians to view a list of their child’s conversations without seeing the content of the message.
Vimeo now allows only material rated ‘all audiences’ to be visible to users without an account. Content rated ‘mature’ or ‘unrated’ is now automatically put behind the login screen.
BitChute has updated its terms and conditions and increased the number of people overseeing and – if necessary – removing content.
However, it is clear that many platforms are not sufficiently equipped, prepared and resourced for regulation.
Ofcom have recently opened a formal investigation into one firm, Tapnet Ltd – which operates adult site RevealMe – in relation to its response to our information request.
They also found that companies are not prioritising risk assessments of their platforms, which we consider fundamental to proactively identifying and mitigating risks to users. This will be a requirement on all regulated services under future online safety laws.
“Today’s report is a world first. We’ve used our powers to lift the lid on what UK video sites are doing to look after the people who use them. It shows that regulation can make a difference, as some companies have responded by introducing new safety measures, including age verification and parental controls.”
said Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s Chief Executive adding
“But we’ve also exposed the gaps across the industry, and we now know just how much they need to do. It’s deeply concerning to see yet more examples of platforms putting profits before child safety. We have put UK adult sites on notice to set out what they will do to prevent children accessing them.”
