Websites hosting porn in UK told to enforce age checks or face fines

Ofcom threatens severe financial penalties for sites such as OnlyFans and video apps including TikTok

UK websites and apps that host pornography and adult material - such as OnlyFans and PocketStars - must put in place strict age-verification processes or face severe financial penalties, the communications watchdog has said.

Video-sharing platforms (VSPs) established in the UK - including TikTok, Snapchat, Vimeo and Twitch - face fines of 250,000 or 5% of applicable turnover, whichever is greater, for breaches of regulations, fresh guidance from Ofcom states.

Have clear, visible terms and conditions which prohibit uploading content relating to terrorism, child sexual abuse material or racism and enforce them effectively.

Implement tools that allow users to flag harmful videos easily. They should signpost how quickly they will respond, and be open about any action taken.

Restrict access to adult sites. VSPs that host pornographic material should have robust age verification in place, to protect under-18s from accessing such material.