Ofcom's Joe W. on What Adult Sites Must Know About the Online Safety Act

Robert Maxwell · 2026-10-20

If you run an adult site, you've probably heard whispers about the UK's Online Safety Act. Well, this week's episode of Adult Site Broker Talk brings some clarity straight from the source: Joe W., a Supervision Principal at Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator. Joe's job? Helping adult industry operators figure out what the law actually requires of them. And let's be honest, that's not exactly light reading. But he's been at it since 2023, hitting conferences, running workshops, and writing guidance specifically for site owners like you. ### What the Online Safety Act Means for You Here's the bottom line: if your site or app has users in the UK, the Online Safety Act likely applies to you. And if you host pornographic content, you're required to implement "highly effective age assurance" to confirm your UK users are over 18. That's not a suggestion—it's the law. Ofcom's role goes beyond just adult content. They oversee telecoms, postal services, TV, radio, and online services across the UK. But under the Online Safety Act, their focus is on protecting people—especially children—from illegal and harmful content. They do this by consulting publicly on guidance, supervising regulated services, and, when necessary, taking enforcement action. ### The "Vet Your Vendor" Report: A Tool You Need One practical takeaway from the episode: Ofcom recently published a report called "Vet Your Vendor." It's designed to help site owners evaluate age-assurance providers. Because not all age verification solutions are created equal, and you want to make sure you're working with someone who actually knows what they're doing. > "It was great to finally get Joe on the podcast. I've wanted to hear from Ofcom for some time now. It was a great conversation." — Bruce, host of Adult Site Broker Talk ### Why This Matters for Site Owners If you're running an adult site, compliance isn't just a box to check. It's about keeping your business safe and your users protected. Joe's team has been engaging directly with the industry, and this podcast episode is a chance to hear their perspective firsthand. So, if you're wondering how to navigate the Online Safety Act without pulling your hair out, give this episode a listen. It's available starting today. And if you're looking to buy or sell a website in the adult space, Adult Site Broker is known as "the ethical broker" for a reason. They've been nominated for XBIZ Community Figure of the Year twice, and their podcast was a 2026 AVN Award nominee for Favorite Adult Podcast. ### Key Takeaways: - If your site has UK users, the Online Safety Act likely applies to you. - Pornographic content requires highly effective age assurance for UK users. - Ofcom offers guidance and resources, including the "Vet Your Vendor" report. - Non-compliance can lead to formal enforcement action. Don't wait until you're in hot water. Tune in to Adult Site Broker Talk and get the information you need to stay compliant and confident.