Ofcom has released final guidance for online services under the Online Safety Act 2023. If you operate a platform, clip store, or site that allows pornographic content and is accessible from the UK, you are likely to be in scope — even if you are not based in the UK.

The key requirement:
👉 From 25 July 2025, you must have implemented highly effective age assurance to prevent under-18s from accessing pornographic content on your service.

Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 10% of worldwide revenue or £18 million, whichever is greater.
In cases of continued non-compliance, Ofcom can also seek court orders that may result in disruption of your payment processing, advertising, or even access to your site.

What you need to do

1. Ensure your children’s access assessment has been completed (deadline was 16 April 2025).

2. Implement highly effective age assurance across your service by 25 July 2025.

3. If only part of your site uses age assurance, you must complete a children’s risk assessment by 24 July 2025 for the accessible areas.

4. If your entire site is protected by age assurance, you must complete a new children’s access assessment confirming its effectiveness.

If you do not believe you are in scope, you must notify Ofcom by 25 May 2025 with an explanation.

Resources for SNAP Members

• 📄 Read Ofcom’s Open Letter for Services Allowing Pornography

• 📚 Overview of the New Guidance

• ⚡ Quick Guide on Highly Effective Age Assurance

Questions?

SNAP members can either:

• Email PornSupervision@ofcom.org.uk directly, or

• Send questions to us , and we can pass them on anonymously.

We strongly encourage all adult industry services to take prompt action to ensure compliance ahead of the July deadline.