Running a porn site in 2025? Better hope you’re not sleeping on the UK’s Online Safety Act. This isn’t just some far-off British law you can shrug off—it’s a global game-changer that could slap your US-based operation with fines up to $24 million or 10% of your revenue. Yeah, you read that right. Ignore it, and you’re screwed.
Why the Online Safety Act Matters for US Porn Sites
The UK’s been cracking down hard on online content, and the Online Safety Act (OSA), passed in October 2023, is their big gun. It’s all about keeping kids away from porn, fraud, and other nasty stuff online. For adult sites, it’s a wake-up call: implement age verification that actually works, or face the wrath of Ofcom, the UK’s media watchdog. Think of them as the FCC, but with sharper teeth and a British accent.
This isn’t just for UK companies. If your site’s accessible in the UK—and let’s be real, whose isn’t?—you’re on the hook. Ofcom’s already reaching out to US merchants, asking for risk assessments and compliance details. Blow them off, and you’re risking not just fines but losing access to the UK market entirely. That’s a lot of revenue to kiss goodbye.
Ofcom: The Enforcer You Can’t Ignore
Meet Ofcom, the regulator that’s making adult site owners sweat. They’re not here to play games. Ofcom’s been emailing merchants worldwide, demanding answers about how you’re keeping minors off your site. This isn’t a polite suggestion—it’s a must-respond situation. They want dialogue, not defiance. Ignore their email, and you’re painting a target on your back.
“Ofcom prioritizes merchants based on risk of harm, user volume, and sector. If they hear about an issue, they’ll come knocking.”
– Industry Compliance Expert
Ofcom’s approach is methodical. They’re not out to shut you down immediately—they’ll give you a chance to comply. But if you ghost them, expect fines that could hit 18 million pounds ($24 million) or 10% of your global revenue, whichever stings more. Ouch.
The Risk Assessment: Your Compliance Lifeline
One of the OSA’s core demands is a risk assessment. This isn’t optional—it’s your annual homework. You need to evaluate your site for 17 types of illegal content, from terrorism to porn, and rate the risk (negligible, low, medium, high). Then, document how you’re mitigating those risks. Got age gates? Content filters? Spell it out. Keep it on file, because Ofcom might ask to see it.
Luckily, Ofcom’s not leaving you high and dry. Their adult services directory lays it all out—templates, steps, the works. It’s like a cheat sheet for staying legal. Update it yearly, and you’re already halfway to keeping Ofcom off your ass.
Age Verification: Get It Right or Pay the Price
The OSA’s big on age assurance. If you’re running studio content, you had to lock this down by January 1, 2025. Cam sites and fan platforms got a bit more wiggle room—risk assessments by March, age checks by July 25. Sound familiar? It’s not that different from US state laws or Visa’s content compliance rules. If you’re already jumping through those hoops, you’re not starting from scratch.
Ofcom’s cool with flexibility. You can use:
- Facial age estimation (fancy AI guessing ages).
- Credit card checks (old-school but effective).
- Open banking or mobile network checks.
- Email-based verification (if it’s robust enough).
Whatever you pick, it’s gotta be accurate, reliable, and fair. No half-assed “click here to confirm you’re 18” buttons. Those days are gone. Ofcom’s standards are clear, and they’re stricter than most US laws, so don’t skimp.
Global Reach, Local Pain
Here’s the kicker: the OSA doesn’t care where your servers are. If UK users can access your site, you’re under scrutiny. Ofcom’s already sniffing around US merchants, prioritizing based on user volume and risk. Got a tip about dodgy content? They’ll demand your risk assessment faster than you can say “chargeback.”
Non-compliance isn’t just a fine—it’s a death sentence for your UK market share. And with the US Supreme Court greenlighting age verification laws stateside, plus the EU’s Digital Services Act tightening the screws, the whole world’s watching. Better get your house in order.
How to Stay Ahead of the Game
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t panic. If you’re already compliant with US laws or card brand rules, you’re probably in decent shape. But don’t get cocky—double-check your age verification tech and risk assessment. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Conduct your risk assessment and update it yearly.
- Choose a reliable age assurance method (credit card, facial estimation, etc.).
- Respond to Ofcom’s emails promptly—don’t ghost them.
- Keep detailed records of your compliance efforts.
Need help? Companies like Segpay are pros at navigating high-risk compliance. They’ve got the tools and know-how to keep you legal without breaking the bank.
The Big Picture: Compliance Is Survival
The Online Safety Act isn’t just a UK problem—it’s a signal of where the adult industry’s headed. With global regulations tightening, from the EU to the US, compliance isn’t optional; it’s survival. Skimp on age checks, and you’re not just risking fines—you’re gambling with your entire business. Get it right, and you’re not just dodging Ofcom’s hammer; you’re future-proofing your operation in a world that’s cracking down on porn harder than ever.
So, what’s it gonna be? Play by the rules or roll the dice on a $24 million fine? Your move.
