The UK’s media regulator Ofcom has launched fresh enforcement actions against at least 22 pornographic websites for failing to comply with new age-verification requirements introduced under the Online Safety Act.

The announcement marks the latest step in Ofcom’s efforts to ensure online platforms prevent children from accessing adult material. The investigations cover websites owned by five companies: Cyberitic, LLC; Web Prime Inc.; Youngtek Solutions Ltd.; ZD Media s.r.o.; and the operator of xgroovy.com.

“These sites have been prioritised based on the risk of harm they pose and their user numbers, including where there have been significant increases in their user numbers since the 25 July deadline,” Ofcom said in a statement. Collectively, the sites attract more than 8 million unique monthly UK visitors.

Ofcom also confirmed it is broadening existing investigations into 8579 LLC and Itai Tech Ltd., the latter known for running the Norwich-based deepfake “nudify” application Undress.cc. Regulators are now examining not only whether the companies have introduced “highly effective” age checks, but also whether they responded adequately to statutory information requests.

The 22 new cases add to Ofcom’s 47 ongoing investigations into adult sites and apps since the July deadline. Under the Online Safety Act, sites that allow user-uploaded pornography must deploy robust age-assurance systems to block under-18s.

If violations are confirmed, Ofcom has broad enforcement powers, including:

• Fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover, whichever is greater.
• Requiring payment processors and advertisers to withdraw support.
• Seeking court orders to block access to non-compliant websites in the UK.

Many of the targeted sites appear to use cloned scripts or affiliate marketing structures to monetize traffic, a common practice in the adult entertainment industry. For example, Web Prime Inc. operates multiple platforms, including anysex.com, fapality.com, mylust.com, xcafe.com, and yourlust.com, two of which share nearly identical layouts.

Ofcom said it is now gathering evidence to determine whether the platforms have breached the law. Should the regulator issue notices of contravention, the companies will be given an opportunity to respond before final decisions are made.