In a landmark ruling, Ofcom has slapped Kick Online Entertainment SA with a hefty £800,000 fine for neglecting to implement robust age verification measures on its adult websites. The media regulator declared that the company did not have “highly effective” systems in place to ensure that UK visitors were indeed over the age of 18. While the firm has since introduced age checks, it failed to comply with legal requirements between July and December 2025.
Ofcom’s Tough Stance on Non-Compliance
Ofcom’s decision underscores a growing commitment to enforce compliance with the Online Safety Act, particularly in the realm of adult content. Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s director of enforcement, emphasised that stringent age checks are not just advisable but “non-negotiable” for adult sites. She stated, “Any company that fails to meet this duty—or engage with us—can expect to face robust enforcement action, including significant fines.” This firm stance highlights the regulator’s dedication to safeguarding children from exposure to explicit material online.
The regulator’s investigation into Kick Online Entertainment began last July, when it identified 34 websites failing to implement necessary age checks. Kick was prioritised due to its substantial user base, and the fine reflects the seriousness with which Ofcom is treating these violations.
Additional Penalties and Investigations
Kick Online Entertainment is not the only one facing scrutiny. Ofcom has issued a £30,000 fine to the company for not responding to information requests and will impose a daily penalty of £200 until they comply. This aggressive approach is indicative of Ofcom’s broader initiative to ensure that online platforms adhere to the regulatory framework established by the Online Safety Act.
In addition to the fine against Kick, Ofcom has also flagged message board 4chan and other companies for similar violations. The regulator has given 4chan ten working days to respond to its provisional notice regarding breaches of age verification and risk assessment rules concerning illegal content.
The Wider Implications
The implications of Ofcom’s actions extend beyond just Kick Online Entertainment. The regulator has signalled its intention to continue investigating other adult sites lacking age verification measures. Last December, Ofcom issued its largest penalty to date against AVS Group Ltd for ongoing non-compliance.
The message is clear: the UK is serious about enforcing the Online Safety Act, and firms that disregard these regulations will face significant consequences.
Why it Matters
This ruling is a significant step in the ongoing battle to protect children from inappropriate content online. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must the measures in place to ensure the safety of its youngest users. With Ofcom’s unwavering commitment to enforcing age verification, we can expect a ripple effect across the industry, compelling other adult websites to examine their compliance and potentially reshaping how adult content is accessed in the UK. This is not just about compliance; it’s about prioritising the safety and wellbeing of future generations in an increasingly digital world.
