The European Commission has launched formal investigations into four major adult content websites for possible violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), citing concerns over inadequate safeguards to protect minors.
Classified as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the DSA, these websites are required to implement enhanced safety protocols due to their vast user reach. The Commission’s preliminary findings suggest that these platforms lack effective age verification systems and have failed to conduct sufficient risk assessments to minimize minors’ exposure to harmful content.
Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, has acknowledged the investigation, stating that it remains committed to child safety online. The other platforms involved have not yet issued public statements.
“The protection of minors is a priority,” the Commission emphasized, noting that a EU-wide age-verification app is currently in development and expected to launch by summer. Simultaneously, EU member states are coordinating enforcement actions against smaller pornographic platforms that may also be non-compliant.
If found guilty of breaching the DSA, the companies under investigation could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue.
