Ofcom Launches Probe into Pornhub’s Age‑Verification System After New Apple‑Based Checks

Britain's communications regulator, Ofcom, announced it will open an investigation into the parent company of Pornhub over concerns that its recent age‑verification measures may not meet legal standards.

In May, the adult‑content platform rolled out a new system that relies on data signals from Apple, suggesting that users in the United Kingdom who have completed Apple’s own age‑check process could be deemed over 18. Ofcom’s press release described the approach as using “signals from Apple that suggest under‑18s in the UK may have completed Apple’s age checks.”

The move comes as the regulator steps up enforcement of the Online Safety Bill and existing provisions of the Digital Economy Act, which obligate commercial porn sites to verify users’ ages before granting access to explicit material. Earlier investigations had highlighted gaps in the industry’s ability to block minors from such content, prompting tighter scrutiny.

Should the probe find that the Apple‑based method falls short of the required verification rigor, Pornhub could face fines, mandatory changes to its verification workflow, or even temporary restrictions on its UK operations. Industry analysts note that the case may set a precedent for how adult platforms integrate third‑party data in compliance efforts.

Ofcom has not set a timetable for the investigation’s conclusion, but it indicated that findings will be published once the review is complete. The outcome will likely influence how other adult‑content providers design age‑gate solutions and could spur broader discussions about the role of tech companies like Apple in supporting online safety initiatives.