What Adult Sites Need to Know About the Online Safety Act

Even those new to adult businesses may be familiar with the UK’s Online Safety Act.

This landmark piece of legislation has completely changed the way how online content is regulated, particularly when it comes to protecting minors. For adult sites, the Act understandably introduces new obligations to ensure safe and appropriate access to content. Now, we get that for some of you (especially the new adult website owners), these changes may feel like a lot to take in, but understanding the key requirements—and when they’ll be enforced—will help your site stay compliant and minimise risk.

Here, we’ll break down the current status of the Online Safety Act, what’s happened so far, what’s to come, and what adult sites need to focus on to adapt to these new times.

Contents:

• What is the Online Safety Act?
• Where We Are Now & What’s to Come
• Key Requirements for Adult Websites
• Does Ofcom Have the Power to Take Enforcement Action?
• How to Meet Age Verification & Content Filtering Requirments
• Content Moderation & Reporting Obligations
• Transparency & Compliance Documentation

What is the Online Safety Act?

The Online Safety Act, passed back in October 2023, represents one of the most significant shifts in internet regulation in the UK.

Its purpose is to protect users from online harm, focusing on preventing minors from exposure to inappropriate, explicit, or dangerous content. This law applies broadly to social media, messaging platforms, and websites with user-generated content, but adult websites are especially impacted due to the high-risk nature of explicit content.

Why Was the Act Introduced?

The Act was enacted in response to growing concerns about young people’s access to harmful content. According to a 2022 Ofcom study, nearly 50% of 11- to 16-year-olds reported encountering adult material online. These alarming statistics led to widespread calls for increased safety measures on various digital platforms.

The Online Safety Act establishes a clear legal framework, compelling platforms to adopt measures that protect all users, with specific requirements aimed at safeguarding children and young users.

To give platforms time to make the necessary adjustments, the Act is being implemented in phases:

Where We Are Now & What’s to Come

To give platforms time to make the necessary adjustments, the Online Safety Act is rolling out in multiple phases. Here’s what’s already in place and what’s to come, so adult websites can stay informed and prepared.

October 2023: This is when the Online Safety Act officially came into effect. Adult sites are now legally required to assess the risks associated with their content and begin implementing safety measures. Failure to start aligning with the Act can lead to preliminary warnings or fines.

December 2024: Ofcom published its Illegal Content Risk Assessment Guidance and the initial version of the Codes of Practice for illegal harms. Adult sites should review these documents carefully, as they provide specific instructions on identifying and mitigating risks associated with harmful content. Sites must carry out their own risk assessments within a set period after these guidelines are published, so keeping up with Ofcom’s updates is crucial.

March 2025: This is the deadline. Platforms, especially high-risk platforms like adult websites, must complete their Children’s Risk Assessments and implement additional protections to prevent minors from accessing explicit material. This phase will also introduce penalties for non-compliance if safeguards are not in place.

Beyond the Deadline: Starting in late 2025, Ofcom will conduct audits to ensure compliance with the Act. Non-compliant platforms could face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, whichever is higher, along with potential site blocks within the UK.

What are the Key Requirements for Adult Websites?

As high-risk platforms, adult websites like yours – whether it’s porn or e-commerce – must implement several critical measures to comply with the Act.

🚨 A major milestone in online safety.

Sites and apps must now start taking action to protect people from illegal harm online.

Key measures include:
🔒 Senior accountability for safety
🛠️ Improved content moderation and reporting systems
🛡️ Protecting children from abuse pic.twitter.com/PhIp2TuW8c

— Ofcom (@Ofcom) December 16, 2024

These requirements include:

• Age Verification: Adult sites are mandated to use rigorous age verification systems to block underage users.
• Content Moderation: All user-generated content must be monitored to quickly remove illegal or inappropriate material.
• Transparency and Reporting: Clear, accessible information on safety protocols is essential, and records of moderation activities must be maintained.
• User Reporting Mechanisms: Platforms must have user-friendly systems for reporting harmful content, with a rapid response to any flagged materials.

Failure to meet these requirements can result in very serious consequences. Fines… reputational damage… potential bans within the UK market – nothing your adult business would want to face.

Does Ofcom Have the Power to Take Enforcement Action?

Yes.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has been designated as the primary authority to enforce the Online Safety Act. With extensive powers granted by the Act, Ofcom can hold platforms accountable through:

• Issuing Fines: Ofcom can issue fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover for non-compliance. These fines are substantial enough to pose significant risks for businesses of all sizes.
• Blocking Site Access: For sites that refuse to comply or repeatedly violate safety standards, Ofcom can block access to the platform for UK users.
• Conducting Investigations: Ofcom has investigatory powers to demand compliance documentation, review user reports, and assess platform safety practices.

So, to avoid those swift and severe penalties, your adult website must keep up-to-date with Ofcom’s guidance and any updates to the rules.

You can read Ofcom’s full guide on online safety enforcement to learn more. 

How to Meet Age Verification & Content Filtering Requirments

Thanks to the Online Safety Act, adult sites can no longer rely on basic disclaimers or age gates… and for good reason. It’s all too easy for a youngster to lie about his or her age and enter false details. So, to ensure underage users cannot access explicit material, robust, verifiable age-checking systems are required on sites like yours.

Online services must introduce age checks to protect children from encountering porn.

Our new guidance sets out how we expect sites and apps to introduce highly effective age assurance, while protecting adults’ privacy rights.

➡️ Find out more.

— Ofcom (@Ofcom) January 16, 2025

These include:

• ID Verification: Services like Yoti or Veriff can cross-check user IDs against real-time images to confirm age.
• Biometric Checks: Advanced tools can analyze facial features to estimate age and add an extra layer of security.
• Credit Card Verification: Payment methods can help validate age but work best when combined with other checks.

Content filtering is equally essential. Explicit content must be concealed behind age-verification walls and inaccessible until users are confirmed as adults. These steps not only protect minors but also safeguard your platform from harsh penalties.

Content Moderation & Reporting Obligations

The Online Safety Act also requires adult sites to employ active moderation to prevent illegal or harmful content from circulating. User-friendly reporting mechanisms must allow visitors to flag inappropriate content easily.

Here’s how to approach moderation effectively:

• Automated Filters: AI-driven tools can scan for harmful material and flag it for review.
• Human Moderators: Dedicated teams should handle flagged content that AI systems can’t accurately assess.
• Swift Action: Platforms need clear, rapid-response protocols to remove harmful content quickly.

Additionally, maintaining detailed moderation logs is vital for transparency and compliance. Ofcom may require these records during audits.

Transparency & Compliance Documentation

Transparency is a core pillar of the Online Safety Act. Adult websites must demonstrate accountability to both users and regulators by:

• Publishing Safety Policies: Clearly outline your age verification and content moderation measures on your site.
• Keeping Compliance Logs: Record every instance of flagged or removed content, as well as age verification checks.
• Submitting Annual Reports: Be prepared to provide Ofcom with yearly summaries of your compliance efforts.

Prepare Your Adult Site for Compliance

The Online Safety Act is reshaping the digital landscape, and adult websites must adapt to meet its stringent standards. By taking proactive steps—like rigorous age verification, advanced content moderation, and transparent compliance reporting—you can protect your business while building trust with users in a regulated environment.

Need help navigating these changes? Reach out to our team at Adult Creative, where we specialise in helping adult websites thrive under these new standards. Stay compliant. Stay ahead.

Are you an entrepreneur looking to make his mark in this industry? Check out our blog on how to start a successful adult business for more details.