ATVOD Says Porn Enforcement on Rise

ATVOD Says Porn Enforcement on Rise

LONDON — ATVOD said in its annual report released today that the British video-on-demand regulator saw a spike in the number of porn websites it took action against in the past year.

Pete Johnson, the CEO of ATVOD, told XBIZ that the number of porn websites it has taken action against has “risen sharply,” a figure that is fivefold — 137 websites in 2014-15 compared to 27 sites in 2013-14.

In the report, ATVOD said that of the 137 sites involving 12 companies found to be in breach of statutory rules in the past 12 months, eight companies acted to make changes to bring the service into compliance or closed, and two were the subject of continuing ongoing enforcement activity. The remaining two companies were transferred to the control of a person or company established outside the U.K.

ATVOD’s main enforcement weapons include Rule 11, a U.K. statute that requires operators to make sure those under 18 can't access hardcore porn, and Rule 14, which outlaws VOD websites from containing "prohibited material" — content that would be denied a British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) certificate.

That prohibited material includes the distribution of content that includes acts of female ejaculation, spanking, fisting, water sports, full bondage and other types of strong explicit content.

ATVOD also enforces regulations over U.K.-based sites that fail to register with the VOD co-regulator.

Johnson, in a release earlier this morning, hinted that ATVOD plans increased enforcement with Rules 11 and 14 going forward.

“Looking forward, we note with interest the Conservative Party manifesto commitment to require age verification for access to all websites containing pornographic material,” Johnson said in a press release. “We have made good progress in ensuring that U.K. operators of regulated VOD services comply with rules designed to protect children from harmful content, but we are not complacent and will continue to monitor relevant services and act as required.”

The annual report also revealed that ATVOD Chairwoman Ruth Evans, who yesterday announced that she was tapped to lead the British government’s Payments Strategy Forum, will be leaving ATVOD in December after six years with the agency.

A new ATVOD chair has not yet been chosen to replace Evans.

View ATVOD's annual report

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More