Ofcom is investigating Pornhub’s owner, Aylo, over concerns that its age-checking system may not effectively prevent children in the UK from accessing pornography. The investigation could determine whether the company has breached the Online Safety Act, which makes providers responsible for ensuring their age-assurance measures are highly effective.

Pornhub began using Apple’s device-level age-verification process after previously blocking new UK users, but Ofcom says some checks indicate children may still have accessed the site. Aylo could face a fine of up to £18m or 10% of its global revenue, whichever is higher; Ofcom says the proportion of children encountering highly effective age checks rose from 25% to 43% between July 2025 and January 2026.