United Kingdom: Extended Age Verification Enforcement Programme

On 18 December 2023, Office of Communications (Ofcom) announced an extension of its enforcement programme on age assurance measures within the adult Video Sharing Platform (VSP) sector until April 2024. Ofcom continues to assess age assurance measures on adult VSPs, ensuring they are robust enough to prevent under-18s from accessing pornographic videos. The programme extension will enable Ofcom to continue enhancing notified adult VSPs, complete its investigation into Secure Live Media Ltd, and evaluate additional platforms in the adult VSP sector that have been brought to their attention during the programme. Ofcom's engagement has resulted in several adult VSPs improving their age verification processes. Notable examples of platforms that have implemented age verification measures include Tapnet Ltd's RevealMe, which now requires age verification through credit card payments or valid identification via a third-party tool, and Kiwi Leisure Limited's AdmireMe, which has committed to incorporating similar age assurance measures. Furthermore, platforms such as Fansify, Sesire, and SoSpoilt have informed Ofcom of their participation in the VSP regime.