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The Future of UK Pornography Regulation: Key Takeaways from the Porn Review

Posted on by admin@18verified

The long-awaited UK Porn Review, led by Baroness Gabby Bertin, marks a major step toward more effective regulation of online pornography. The report includes 32 key recommendations aimed at reducing harm, eliminating illegal content, and bringing online standards in line with offline media regulations.

For businesses operating in the adult content space, this review signals a shift from guidance to enforcement—and the need for urgent action to implement highly effective age verification and content moderation solutions.

Stronger Oversight for Adult Platforms

One of the core recommendations is the expansion of regulatory oversight. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) may soon be tasked with auditing and certifying adult content platforms that follow best practices—a significant shift from its traditional role, which was limited to physical media sold in licensed shops.

This change would bring:

  • Greater accountability for online pornographic content
  • Stronger enforcement of ethical and legal standards
  • Increased trust from users and regulatory bodies

At 18Verified, we welcome this move and stand ready to help platforms meet these evolving standards.

Targeting Harmful and Non-Consensual Content

The Porn Review shines a spotlight on the normalisation of violence in porn, particularly scenes involving non-fatal strangulation or ‘choking’. While this is a criminal offence when done without consent, its portrayal online remains legal.

The review recommends:

  • Stricter regulation of violent and degrading content
  • Ethical content standards to reduce real-world harm
  • Implementation of a Safe Pornography Code based on BBFC guidelines

It also calls for the removal of step-incest-themed content from search results and homepages—a common feature of mainstream adult platforms that the review identifies as harmful and misleading.

Tackling AI-Generated and Deepfake Pornography

Another major concern raised is the rise of AI-generated explicit content, including:

  • Deepfake pornography
  • Nudification apps that create non-consensual nudes

The Porn Review proposes a ban on AI-powered tools used to produce synthetic pornographic material without the subject’s consent. These tools pose a significant threat to privacy and are widely used to target women, celebrities, and minors.

Regulating this area will be critical in the months ahead—and platforms must be ready to detect and prevent AI-based abuse.

Mandatory Age Verification Under the Online Safety Act

The Online Safety Act (OSA), passed in 2023, legally obliges online services to protect children from accessing pornographic material. According to the Porn Review, Ofcom should be granted powers to prosecute platforms that fail to remove illegal or harmful content.

By July 2025, all services hosting or distributing pornography—whether original or user-generated—must implement a “highly effective age assurance” system.

Examples of accepted methods include:

  • ID document checks
  • AI-based age estimation
  • Email and mobile number analysis

At 18Verified, we provide all of these in a GDPR-compliant, privacy-preserving, and scalable format.

Implementation Is the Next Crucial Step

While the Porn Review provides a strong foundation for reform, real progress depends on political will and enforcement. The incoming Labour Government has a clear mandate to prioritise online safety—especially for women, children, and vulnerable communities.

Key factors for success include:

  • Timely adoption of recommendations
  • Enforcement powers for Ofcom and BBFC
  • Industry-wide adoption of age verification and content moderation tools

As Baroness Bertin’s report makes clear, the UK is positioned to lead globally on online pornography regulation, much like it has on deepfake legislation. But implementation must be swift and effective.

18Verified Supports Safe, Legal, and Compliant Online Content

At 18Verified, we’ve been working at the forefront of age assurance, consent management, and content moderation to ensure online platforms meet the latest legal standards.

  • ✅ Certified to PAS 1296:2018
  • ✅ API and plug-and-play integration
  • ✅ Subscription-based, cost-effective compliance
  • ✅ Trusted by platforms preparing for OSA enforcement in July 2025

👉 Explore our age verification solutions
👉 Speak to our compliance team today

Tags: UK Porn Review 2025, Online Safety Act, age verification software, BBFC regulation, AI-generated porn, deepfake detection, non-consensual content, child protection, Safe Pornography Code, online content moderation, adult platform compliance, 18Verified, PAS 1296, ethical porn standards UK

UK Online Safety Act: Enforcement Begins — What Businesses Need to Know

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Monday, March 17th, 2025, marked a turning point in the UK’s digital safety landscape. On this date, key provisions of the Online Safety Act officially came into force, requiring platforms to implement robust measures to protect users—particularly children—from illegal and harmful online content.

This milestone also launched Ofcom’s new enforcement programme, signalling the start of real accountability for digital platforms.

What Does the Online Safety Act Require?

From March 17th, platforms that fall under the scope of the Online Safety Act are legally required to:

  • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments related to illegal harms (by March 16th)
  • Evaluate how their platforms could be used to host or distribute illegal content (e.g., child sexual abuse material, terrorism, hate speech)
  • Implement effective measures to identify and remove illegal content swiftly
  • Proactively prevent ‘priority’ illegal content from appearing on their services

This shift marks a clear movement from policy talk to platform responsibility—and enforcement.

The Start of a New Era in Online Accountability

For the first time, online platforms are being formally held accountable for the illegal content shared through their services. While some campaigners believe this initial phase doesn’t go far enough, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of an evolving regulatory process.

By laying strong foundations now, the Online Safety Act opens the door for even greater protections in future phases.

Ofcom’s Role in Enforcing Online Safety

As the appointed regulator, Ofcom is leading the charge on enforcement. Over the past year, it has worked closely with platforms, tech providers, and safety advocates to define expectations and provide compliance guidance.

Now, Ofcom is exercising its powers with:

  • Information notices
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Potential enforcement actions for non-compliance

According to Lina Ghazal, Head of Regulatory & Public Affairs at Verifymy, the biggest challenge will be ensuring that Ofcom enforces its powers fairly and proportionately, while encouraging platforms to adopt the right measures at the right time.

Why Age Assurance Technology Matters

One of the most effective tools in the fight against online harm is age assurance—including both age verification and age estimation solutions. These technologies allow platforms to:

  • Restrict underage access to harmful or adult content
  • Detect suspicious or high-risk activity
  • Comply with UK and international regulatory standards

At 18Verified, we offer scalable, privacy-first age assurance solutions that help platforms meet their legal duties—without disrupting the user experience.

Listening to Civil Society and Evolving the Framework

Children’s rights organisations and online safety advocates have welcomed this new enforcement phase—but also stressed the need for ongoing improvement. The scope of online harm remains significant, and enforcement must adapt to reflect the latest risks.

That means:

  • Continuing collaboration with civil society
  • Taking on feedback from researchers and affected communities
  • Refining enforcement strategies as new challenges emerge

Online Safety Is Not a One-Time Fix

Creating a safer internet is a long-term responsibility. Platforms must consistently update their safety practices, and regulators like Ofcom must remain responsive to change.

Key principles for success:

  • ✅ Transparency
  • ✅ Collaboration with industry & civil society
  • ✅ Use of advanced technologies
  • ✅ Ongoing risk assessments

Technology Is the Key to Compliance

The tools to achieve compliance are already available—and essential. These include:

  • ✅ AI-powered content moderation
  • ✅ Scalable age verification & estimation
  • ✅ Proactive detection systems
  • ✅ Secure and GDPR-compliant infrastructure

At 18Verified, we help businesses integrate these solutions to build trust, avoid fines, and protect users.

What Happens Next?

March 17th was just the beginning. The Online Safety Act introduces a new era of regulatory oversight, and every platform must stay ahead by acting now—not later.

👉 Learn how 18Verified can help you meet your Online Safety Act duties
👉 Get in touch with our compliance experts

Tags: Online Safety Act, UK online regulation, Ofcom enforcement, age verification, age assurance, illegal content removal, online child protection, 18Verified, platform compliance, digital safety law UK, March 2025 safety act, GDPR age checks, Lina Ghazal, online harm reduction

EU Releases Draft Guidelines to Protect Children Online Under the Digital Services Act

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On 13th May 2025, the European Commission (EC) published its long-awaited draft guidelines on the protection of minors online under Article 28 of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of age assurance, setting clear expectations for how digital platforms must assess and mitigate risks to children.

These guidelines not only reinforce the importance of age-appropriate design but also highlight the essential role of modern age verification and estimation tools in creating safer online spaces.

At 18Verified, we break down what the new EU guidelines mean, what your platform must do to comply, and how to stay ahead of the law while protecting your youngest users.

What Is the Digital Services Act (DSA)?

The Digital Services Act is a landmark EU regulation that came into force in 2024. It applies to all major online services operating within the European Union, including:

  • Social media platforms
  • Online marketplaces
  • User-generated content sites
  • Hosting services and search engines

The DSA’s primary goal is to make the internet safer and more transparent—especially for vulnerable groups like children and teenagers. Under Article 28, platforms must take proactive steps to protect minors from harmful content, exploitative advertising, and online grooming.

Key Points from the European Commission’s Guidelines

The May 2025 draft guidelines issued by the European Commission outline how Article 28 should be interpreted and enforced. Here are the major takeaways:

🔍 1. Risk-Based Approach

Platforms must identify and assess potential risks that their services pose to minors—including content exposure, interactions with adults, and algorithmic influence. Based on the level of risk, appropriate safeguards must be implemented.

🎯 2. Age-Appropriate Design

Platforms must tailor content, functionality, and advertising based on a user’s age group. This aligns closely with the UK’s Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC) and reinforces the importance of creating child-safe digital experiences by design.

🔐 3. Age Assurance as a Legal Standard

The Commission confirms that age verification and estimation are crucial for meeting compliance obligations. Platforms are expected to implement solutions that are:

  • Accurate and proportionate
  • Privacy-preserving and GDPR-compliant
  • Fit for different levels of risk

Examples include:

  • Government ID checks
  • Credit reference data or SIM-based checks
  • AI-powered facial age estimation
  • Email and mobile phone metadata analysis

📢 4. Transparency, Controls & Reporting

Platforms must offer:

  • Clear reporting tools for abuse
  • Parental controls (where applicable)
  • Transparent moderation and algorithmic processes

Why This Matters Now

The release of these draft guidelines signals that compliance is no longer optional—it’s a requirement for doing business in the EU digital ecosystem.

The risks of inaction include:

  • Fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover
  • Platform takedowns or service restrictions
  • Reputational damage with users, investors, and regulators

The message is clear: protecting children online must be a platform priority.

How 18Verified Helps Platforms Meet DSA Compliance

At 18Verified, we offer cutting-edge, privacy-first age assurance technology that supports DSA compliance without compromising user experience.

Our solutions include:

  • ✅ Age Verification using government-issued ID, credit checks, mobile number verification, and payment methods
  • ✅ AI-Powered Facial Age Estimation — frictionless and anonymous
  • ✅ Email & Metadata-Based Estimation — lightweight and accurate
  • ✅ GDPR-compliant with no unnecessary data storage
  • ✅ Certified to PAS 1296:2018
  • ✅ Easy integration via API or plug-and-play options
  • ✅ Affordable subscription model — no pay-per-check pricing

Whether you’re a video-sharing platform, adult content site, social network, or online community, we help you stay compliant and protect your most vulnerable users.

Get Ready Before It’s Too Late

The EU is setting the global standard for online child safety, and the Digital Services Act will be strictly enforced. Platforms that fail to act risk severe penalties—not to mention the harm caused to real users.

Don’t wait until enforcement starts. Build safety and trust into your platform now.

👉 Learn how 18Verified supports EU and UK compliance
👉 Talk to our team today

Tags: Digital Services Act, Article 28 DSA, EU child safety, online child protection, European Commission age verification, age assurance tools, GDPR compliance, PAS 1296, AI facial estimation, 18Verified, online platform compliance, protect minors online, EU regulation 2025, digital risk assessment

What Is the Online Safety Bill? A Full Breakdown for UK Businesses

Posted on by admin@18verified

The Online Safety Bill is a landmark piece of UK legislation designed to make the internet safer for everyone—especially children. First published as a draft on 12 May 2021, it follows the Government’s Online Harms White Paper and introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework that compels UK tech companies to take responsibility for the content on their platforms.

In this blog, we’ll explain how the bill affects online businesses, why age verification is essential for compliance, and what your company can do now to prepare.

The Origin: Online Harms White Paper

The Online Safety Bill stems from growing public concern over illegal content, cyberbullying, and child exploitation online. The UK Government responded with the Online Harms White Paper, which marked the beginning of a bold plan to “make Britain the safest place in the world to be online.”

With the increasing accessibility of the internet and the rise of user-generated content, it became clear that existing regulations weren’t enough. The Online Harms Bill was the first step toward systemic change.

Who Will Be Affected by the Online Safety Bill?

The bill primarily impacts businesses that:

  • Allow user-to-user interactions
  • Host user-generated content
  • Provide search engine services

This includes social media platforms, video-sharing websites, dating apps, forums, and any online service where users can upload or share content. If your business operates in these sectors, you’ll be legally required to assess the risks posed to children and introduce safety features, such as age verification technology.

What Are the New “Safety Duties”?

The Online Safety Bill introduces strict new “safety duties” for tech companies. These include:

  • Removing illegal content quickly and effectively
  • Preventing the spread of harmful material
  • Assessing whether children are likely to access the service
  • Implementing robust age verification software to protect minors

Failure to do so could result in severe regulatory penalties.

When Will the Online Safety Bill Become Law?

While there’s no fixed date, the Online Safety Bill has strong backing from Government and was featured in the Queen’s Speech—highlighting its national importance.

The next stages include:

  1. Pre-legislative scrutiny by a joint committee from the House of Commons and House of Lords
  2. Formal introduction to Parliament (expected after summer 2021)
  3. Full legislative review, which may take several years

However, with strong public and political momentum, UK businesses are urged to prepare now rather than wait.

‘Safety by Design’ and Government Guidance

On 29 June, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) released new guidance to help businesses create safer digital environments. The emphasis is on:

  • Data privacy and child protection
  • Minimising risk on live streaming and user-generated content platforms
  • Encouraging “safety by design” practices in product development

This aligns with the upcoming Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC), another major shift in digital regulation.

What Is the Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC)?

The AADC comes into force on 2 September and sets out 15 data protection standards for online services likely to be accessed by children in the UK.

Key elements include:

  • Recognising the age of individual users
  • Tailoring content and data practices to their age group
  • Using age verification tools to prevent access to inappropriate services

The AADC is a direct result of the EU Audio-Visual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and places strong emphasis on user privacy and platform accountability.

What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance?

The draft version of the Online Safety Bill gives Ofcom—the UK’s media and communications regulator—the power to:

  • Fine companies up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover (whichever is higher)
  • Pursue criminal penalties against senior managers and executives for persistent non-compliance

This is one of the most significant regulatory changes to hit the UK’s digital sector and will affect businesses of all sizes.

Online Safety Is Now a Legal Responsibility

Online safety is no longer just an ethical consideration—it’s a legal requirement. Both the Online Safety Bill and AADC aim to create a secure digital space for users of all ages, especially children. Businesses must now build in safety features from the ground up and demonstrate that they are protecting their users in meaningful ways.

How 18Verified Helps Your Business Stay Compliant

At 18Verified, we make age verification simple, secure, and cost-effective. Our technology ensures you comply with UK regulations while delivering a seamless experience to your users.

  • ✅ Frictionless user journey
  • ✅ Certified to PAS 1296:2018 standards
  • ✅ API or plug-and-play options
  • ✅ Affordable subscription model
  • ✅ One login across all participating 18+ sites

Whether you’re a content creator platform, ecommerce business, or adult service provider, 18Verified helps you stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly mistakes.

Take Action Today

Want to avoid fines, protect your users, and meet all upcoming legal requirements?

👉 Learn more about 18Verified
👉 Speak to our team

Tags: Online Safety Bill, UK internet law, age verification software, AADC, digital safety, child protection, PAS 1296, 18Verified, regulatory compliance, Online Harms Bill

How 18Verified Works: The Most Cost-Effective Age Verification Solution for Businesses

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How 18Verified Works: The Most Cost-Effective Age Verification Solution for Businesses


With new age verification laws coming into force across the UK from July 25, 2025, businesses with 18+ content or products must implement a compliant age assurance system. While many companies are scrambling to integrate expensive pay-per-verification solutions, 18Verified offers an affordable, subscription-based alternative that protects both users and businesses. In this post, we explain exactly how 18Verified works and why it’s the most cost-effective solution for staying compliant.

Why Age Verification Matters More Than Ever

The UK’s Online Safety Act and enforcement by Ofcom mean that any business providing age-restricted services or content online must verify a user’s age using Highly Effective Age Assurance (HEAA) methods. This includes industries like adult content, gambling, vaping, CBD, alcohol, escorts, weapons, and more.

Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to £18 million or 10% of annual turnover, as well as domain blocks. For businesses, getting this right is not optional – it’s essential.

How 18Verified Works

18Verified is an age verification gateway designed to be simple, secure, and scalable. It works in three core steps:

1. User Verifies Once

Users choose between two HEAA-compliant methods to verify their age:

  • Credit Card Check: A quick, discreet way to confirm a user is 18+ without needing to upload personal documents. Only adults can own credit cards, making this a legally reliable method.

  • ID Upload: Users can also choose to upload a photo of a government-issued ID (e.g., passport or driving licence) for verification.

2. One Subscription = Unlimited Access

Once verified, users pay a simple £2/month subscription fee to maintain access. This gives them instant entry to any website that uses 18Verified – no need to re-upload ID or verify again.

For users, it’s fast, private, and hassle-free. For businesses, it shifts the cost of compliance away from the company and onto the user.

3. Business Integration

Businesses can integrate 18Verified using one of two affordable options:

  • Plug-and-Play (£300/year): Designed for quick and easy setup with no developer required. Ideal for smaller businesses or platforms looking for rapid deployment.

  • API Integration (£500/year): A more customisable solution for larger websites or apps wanting to embed verification directly into their platforms.

In both options, the business never handles or stores user documents or data – 18Verified manages the verification securely and privately.

Why 18Verified Is the Most Cost-Effective Option

Many age verification providers charge businesses on a pay-per-check model. This can quickly add up:

  • 100 checks/month at £1.50 = £1,800/year

  • 1,000 checks/month = £18,000/year

  • 5,000+ checks/month = £90,000+/year

With 18Verified, you pay a single low flat fee per year. Whether you have 100 users or 100,000, your cost stays the same. That means your business can grow without penalty.

Cost Comparison Example:

Verification Provider Model Estimated Cost (1,000 checks/month)
Yoti Pay-per-check (£1.44) £17,280/year
IDnow Pay-per-check (£2.00) £24,000/year
VerifyMy Pay-per-check (£1.25) £15,000/year
18Verified Flat-rate subscription £300–£500/year

Built for Privacy and Compliance

Unlike some providers who require facial recognition or store user data, 18Verified is fully GDPR-compliant and privacy-first. No facial scans. No unnecessary tracking. Verification is handled securely, and user data is never shared or sold.

That means your business meets all HEAA, Ofcom, and Online Safety Act requirements with minimal risk.

Perfect for All Age-Restricted Industries

18Verified is ideal for any business that needs to restrict access to under-18s:

  • Adult content websites

  • Escort directories

  • Live streaming & cam sites

  • Online vape retailers

  • CBD and cannabis e-commerce

  • Alcohol & tobacco sales

  • Gambling & lottery platforms

  • Knives, hunting gear, and weaponry shops

No matter the size of your business or traffic levels, you can use 18Verified to stay compliant without draining your budget.

How to Get Started

  1. Choose your integration: Plug-and-Play or API

  2. Sign up at: 18Verified.com

  3. Add our gateway to your website in minutes

  4. Inform your users that they must verify from July 25

Conclusion

As the new laws roll in, you don’t need to choose between compliance and cost. 18Verified delivers a fast, affordable, and privacy-preserving solution that protects your business while giving users a simple way to verify once and access many websites.

Don’t pay per check. Don’t scare away your users. Choose the smarter way to verify.

Visit 18Verified.com to get started today.

The 2025 Age Verification Laws: What You Need to Know and Who They Affect

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The 2025 Age Verification Laws: What You Need to Know and Who They Affect

From July 25, 2025, the UK government will enforce new online age verification laws as part of its broader initiative to protect children from harmful online content. These regulations, guided by the Online Safety Act and enforced by Ofcom, require all websites that provide access to adult content or age-restricted goods and services to verify the age of their users using Highly Effective Age Assurance (HEAA) methods.

If your business operates in any industry where access is legally limited to those aged 18 or older, this law will directly impact your website and how it functions. In this blog, we’ll explore what the new laws entail, who needs to comply, and how your business can adapt quickly and cost-effectively.

What Are the New Age Verification Laws?

The new legislation mandates that any website offering content or products restricted to adults must implement robust age verification measures. These must be more than simple self-declarations (e.g., “I am over 18”) or date-of-birth popups. Instead, they must meet Ofcom’s HEAA standards, which typically involve methods such as ID document upload, credit card verification, or verified third-party services.

Ofcom will have the authority to fine or block websites that fail to comply. This law applies to both UK-based businesses and international websites that can be accessed by UK users.

What is Considered ‘Adult’ Content or Services?

Adult content or services include any products or materials that are legally restricted to users aged 18 and over. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Pornography and explicit adult content
  • Online escort and adult dating services
  • Gambling and betting websites
  • Vape and tobacco retailers
  • Alcohol sales platforms
  • CBD and cannabis-related products
  • Firearms, hunting gear, and knives
  • Live streaming or cam sites with adult performers

If your site offers any of these, you must have an effective age verification gateway in place by July 25, 2025.

Industries That Will Be Affected

1. Adult Entertainment & Pornography

All pornographic websites accessible from the UK will be legally required to verify users’ age. Failure to do so could result in domain blocks or major financial penalties.

2. Escort and Adult Services

Online directories, booking sites, or classified ads offering adult services must add age verification for both users and potentially advertisers.

3. Gambling & Betting Sites

The new law expands existing rules to cover all digital platforms offering betting services to UK residents.

4. Vape and Tobacco Retailers

Selling vaping products, tobacco, or e-cigarettes online? These require verification before users can access products or make purchases.

5. Alcohol Sales

Online alcohol vendors will need to integrate HEAA age checks before allowing product browsing or purchasing.

6. CBD and Cannabis-Based Products

Retailers promoting therapeutic or recreational CBD products must comply with age verification rules.

7. Weapons & Hunting Gear

Knives, firearms, crossbows, and other hunting gear are age-restricted and require robust online verification.

8. Live Streaming & Adult Content Creators

Platforms hosting live adult content must verify user age before granting access.

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

  • Fines of up to £18 million or 10% of annual global turnover
  • Blocking access to non-compliant websites in the UK
  • Public listing on non-compliant site registries

What Is HEAA (Highly Effective Age Assurance)?

  • Accurately determines if a user is 18+
  • High confidence level without excessive data collection
  • Privacy-preserving (minimal or no storage of sensitive data)

Common HEAA-compliant methods include:

  • Credit card checks (only adults can hold cards)
  • ID upload with biometric or liveness verification
  • Third-party verification providers like 18Verified

Why It Matters for Your Business

These laws represent a major change. Failing to act could mean being blocked in the UK or fined heavily. But compliance doesn’t need to be costly or complex.

Affordable Solutions Like 18Verified

18Verified offers a subscription-based age verification solution. Businesses pay a flat annual fee, while users subscribe for just £2/month and gain access across all participating websites.

Benefits include:

  • No repeat uploads or face scans for users
  • One login across all verified sites
  • Huge cost savings vs. pay-per-verification models

Next Steps for Businesses

  1. Audit your website for age-restricted content
  2. Choose a HEAA-compliant solution (like 18Verified)
  3. Implement by July 25, 2025
  4. Inform your users about the upcoming changes

Conclusion

The 2025 age verification laws are a mandatory step toward a safer digital future. Businesses must comply or risk penalties. With 18Verified, getting compliant is fast, secure, and cost-effective.

Protect your users. Protect your business. Visit 18Verified.com today.

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