Ofcom has launched investigations into four companies operating 34 pornographic websites over suspected non-compliance with the new age verification rules in the UK. The watchdog says these sites could be ignoring legal requirements designed to protect children from exposure to harmful content.

The move follows the implementation of the Online Safety Act, which mandates 'highly effective' age checks across platforms hosting explicit material. Ofcom is already probing other platforms including 4chan and First Time Videos LLC, with further enforcement actions expected soon.

Since the new rules came into force, VPN usage has surged as users try to bypass age checks, fuelling debates over privacy and enforcement. Ofcom acknowledges the system is not flawless but maintains that it significantly reduces the risk of children encountering pornography online.