Ofcom has hit Belize-based AVS Group Ltd with a £1 million penalty the biggest yet under Britain’s Online Safety Act for running 18 adult websites without proper age-verification systems.
An additional £50,000 fine was added because the company ignored repeated information requests from the regulator.
“Not Highly Effective” Safeguards
Ofcom’s July investigation found AVS’s age controls fell far short of the “highly effective” standard required to keep children away from explicit content.
Daily £1,000 Threat
The company now has 72 hours to install compliant checks or face £1,000 daily fines on top of the existing sanction.
Third Strike Under New Law
This is Ofcom’s third enforcement action since the Online Safety Act took effect earlier this year, following a £20,000 penalty against 4chan in October.
The regulator warned it is actively probing dozens of other adult platforms serving UK users and will not hesitate to act again.
Wider Crackdown on Tech
The move signals Britain’s determination to enforce tough child-protection rules online, despite pushback from free-speech groups and global operators who call the measures heavy-handed.
Ofcom says setting clear examples early is essential to make the internet safer for young people.
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