Ofcom has imposed a fine of £1 million on AVS Group Ltd, a company managing 18 adult websites, due to inadequate age verification measures. An additional penalty of £50,000 was also issued for the company’s failure to respond to information requests. This action marks the third occasion that Ofcom has taken enforcement action against a company under the UK’s Online Safety Act, which became effective in July 2023.
The investigation revealed that while AVS Group claimed to have implemented age verification systems, these measures were not deemed sufficiently effective by the regulator. Ofcom has mandated that AVS Group must introduce effective age assurance protocols within 72 hours. Failure to comply will result in a daily penalty of £1,000, in addition to an existing fine of £300 per day for not complying with information requests, which can accumulate for a maximum of 60 days.
Broader Implications of the Online Safety Act
Since the introduction of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has launched investigations into 92 online services. The regulator is focusing on sites that attract millions of UK visitors, assessing the potential risks they pose to users. In its findings, Ofcom indicated that one unnamed major social media company could face formal action if it does not enhance its compliance efforts.
More than half of the top 100 adult services in the UK have adopted age verification checks since the enforcement of the new regulations. Social media platforms, including X, TikTok, and Reddit, have also begun implementing these measures, reflecting a broader shift towards increased online safety.
Statements from Ofcom and Government Officials
Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom’s online safety group director, commented, “The tide on online safety is beginning to turn for the better. But we need to see much more from tech companies next year, and we’ll use our full powers if they fall short.”
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall expressed support for Ofcom’s actions, stating, “Since the enforcement of the Online Safety Act, platforms have finally started taking responsibility for protecting children and removing illegal and hateful content. Ofcom has the Government’s full backing to use all its powers to ensure that services put users’ safety first. Keeping children safe online is this government’s and my personal priority.”
The enforcement of the Online Safety Act reflects a growing recognition of the need for robust measures to protect both children and adults from harmful online content. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, companies operating in the digital space are under increasing pressure to prioritize user safety.
