UK Regulator Ofcom Publishes 1st Edition of Online Safety Codes

UK Regulator Ofcom Publishes 1st Edition of Online Safety Codes

LONDON — U.K. communications regulator Ofcom published on Monday the first edition of its online safety codes of practice and guidance for adult websites.

The codes are part of a set of regulations to prevent illegal harms online, mandated by the recently passed Online Safety Act, due to take effect in 2025.

"The Act places new safety duties on social media firms, search engines, messaging, gaming and dating apps, and pornography and file-sharing sites," a statement from the regulator reads. "Before we can enforce these duties, we are required to produce codes of practice and industry guidance to help firms comply, following a period of public consultation."

The codes have been published four months ahead of the deadline set by the Act to allow websites time to meet compliance requirements. Final guidelines for age verification requirements will be released next month.

Dame Melanie Dawes, chief executive of Ofcom, said in the statement, "For too long, sites and apps have been unregulated, unaccountable and unwilling to prioritize people’s safety over profits. That changes from today. The safety spotlight is now firmly on tech firms, and it’s time for them to act. We’ll be watching the industry closely to ensure firms match up to the strict safety standards set for them under our first codes and guidance, with further requirements to follow swiftly in the first half of next year."

Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) Director Tim Henning, who has been consulting with Ofcom on behalf of adult industry stakeholders, urged compliance with the guidelines.

"Unlike some ‘child protection’ proposals in the U.S. and elsewhere that are thinly veiled attempts at the outright prohibition of pornography, the U.K. is leaving the door open for responsible platforms and providers to serve the needs of consenting adults," Henning said. "We hope that implementing an economically feasible and successful approach to online child protection by the U.K. will inspire other jurisdictions to find more balanced ways of meeting this universal need."

To view the full regulations, click here.

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

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.

Paysite 'RealGirlsFuck' Relaunches as 'Taboolu.com'

Producer/performer Josh Lewis has relaunched his paysite, RealGirlsFuck, as Taboolu.com.

Show More