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Ofcom Fines Adult Content Company for Failing to Protect Children Online
AVS Group is fined for failing to comply with its duties under the Online Safety Act 2023.
Ofcom has taken decisive action against AVS Group Ltd for failing to comply with its duties under the Online Safety Act 2023.
The regulator’s investigation found that the company’s adult websites did not implement “highly effective” age verification, allowing under-16s to access pornographic material.
AVS Group Ltd, which operates a portfolio of 18 pornography websites, has been fined £1 million for not having robust age checks in place, plus £50,000 for failing to respond to information requests.
Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, sites that host pornographic material must use highly effective age assurance to prevent children from readily accessing that content.
Key developments:
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31 July 2025: Ofcom opened a formal investigation into AVS Group’s compliance with age-assurance requirements.
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28 August 2025: The investigation was expanded to include the company’s response to statutory information requests.
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10 October 2025: Ofcom issued a provisional notice of contravention, highlighting preliminary concerns over age verification and information compliance.
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4 December 2025: Ofcom imposed a £1 million fine for inadequate age verification across 18 adult websites and an additional £50,000 fine for failing to respond to information requests. AVS Group was also ordered to implement effective age checks within 72 hours, with daily penalties for non-compliance.
This case underscores the growing importance of digital safeguards for children. Even with age checks in place on major platforms, underage users are finding ways to access harmful content. Strong enforcement of age-verification measures and ongoing parental awareness remain essential to protect children online.