Investigation launched into 34 porn websites following introduction of age-check requirements
An investigation has been launched into 34 porn websites in the UK after the Online Safety Act was officially enacted last week.
As part of the government's new legislation, online users trying to access explicit content such as violence and pornography must now go through a strict age-verification process.
While the idea sounds good in principle, as a way of stopping those under the age of 18 seeing inappropriate images or videos, it has been met with some huge backlash, with Pornhub stressing to LADbible that it may simply re-direct users to less regulated sites.
A spokesperson said: "We know that when people choose not to age verify, they do not stop looking for adult content, they migrate to those irresponsible platforms.
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"We continue to believe that to make the internet safer for everyone, every phone, tablet or computer should start as a kid-safe device. Only verified adults should unlock access to things like dating apps, gambling, or adult content.
"This is the core premise of device-based age verification, which we believe is the safest and most effective option for protecting children and maintaining user privacy online."
Although many have simply sought out a new method of accessing the sexual content, which includes a very common loophole, it seems as if the government are doing everything they can to ensure that keep kids safe online, even if a lot of adults are less than happy with the changes.
Ofcom has now confirmed that it has launched an investigation into four different companies, who run 34 sites between them, as they look to properly impose the new age-check requirements, with harsh punishments already in place for those who do not adhere.
It wrote: "We have opened formal investigations into whether the following providers have highly effective age checks in place to protect children from encountering pornography across 34 websites: 8579 LLC, AVS Group Ltd, Kick Online Entertainment S.A. and Trendio Ltd.
"These companies have been prioritised based on the risk of harm posed by the services they operate and their user numbers. Collectively, these websites have over 9 million unique monthly UK visitors.
"These new cases add to Ofcom’s 11 investigations already in progress into 4chan, an online suicide forum, seven file-sharing services, First Time Videos LLC and Itai Tech Ltd.
"We expect to make further enforcement announcements in the coming weeks and months."
It is perhaps no surprise that the bill has been met with anger, especially when Channel 4 have been accused of showing 'literal porn' in the form of their new documentary focusing on the life of the controversial content creator Bonnie Blue.
James Moorhouse