Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has started an investigation into Aylo, the company that owns the adult content website Pornhub, to assess whether the site's new age verification system is effective in keeping children from accessing pornography. The regulator raised concerns in May when Pornhub began using a third-party service—specifically Apple's age check system—for some users. Ofcom says Aylo may not have done enough testing or research before rolling out the new process, which could mean it isn’t good enough at keeping underage users away from adult content. The Online Safety Act (OSA), which came into effect in 2023, requires websites that host pornographic material to use highly effective age verification systems to ensure users are over 18. These systems must be reliable enough to prevent underage access. Ofcom is looking into whether Aylo followed the proper steps before implementing its new checks, but it will not investigate Apple’s own age verification practices. George Lusty, Ofcom’s Director of Enforcement, emphasized the importance of age checks in protecting children from harmful content. He said, "We expect tech firms to ensure age checks are highly effective before introducing them. Anything less could leave children at risk." The regulator is focused on whether Aylo met the required standards in its implementation and testing of the new system. Under the Online Safety Act, companies that fail to comply with these requirements can face significant penalties. Ofcom has the authority to fine non-compliant firms up to £18 million or 10% of their annual global revenue, whichever is higher. This investigation highlights the regulator’s commitment to ensuring that age verification systems are robust and effective in keeping harmful content out of the hands of children.