Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has fined the operator of the pornography site Fapello £630,000 for failing to implement adequate age verification measures. The penalty includes a £600,000 fine for not introducing methods to confirm users are 18 or older, and an additional £30,000 for failing to respond to Ofcom's requests for information.
Since July 2025, websites hosting adult content in the UK have been legally required to employ "highly effectively" verify the age of their users to ensure they are at least 18. George Lusty, director of enforcement at Ofcom, emphasized the mandatory nature of these checks, stating they are a "cornerstone of our laws to protect children from content they should not be seeing."
Ofcom initiated an investigation into the Fapello operator in November. The regulator noted that the company had not only failed to implement any age checks but also did not reply to Ofcom's inquiries. Lusty also warned that failure to provide timely and accurate information to the regulator would result in enforcement actions, including fines.
Although Fapello has since blocked access for UK visitors, Ofcom stated that it will continue to monitor the site's compliance with age verification regulations.