ATVOD action bans adult service outright for first time

UK video-on-demand regulator ATVOD has take action leading to the banning of a VoD service outright for the first time. 

ATVOD said it had banned J P Media-owned hardcore adult service Jessica Pressley, leaving the servce’s owner liable to criminal prosecution if it defies the order.

Another adult content supplier, S Hilder, operator of the Pleasuring Herself site, has also been subject to enforcement action.

ATVOD said both services have closed following its action. Both services broke UK rules by allowing free, unrestricted access to hardcore pornography and by offering all their services to any visitor who paid a fee by methods, including debit cards, that are available to under 18s.

In the case of Jessica Pressley, non-compliance with ATVOD’s enforcement notice led the regulator to ask Ofcom to impose a statutory penalty. Ofcom subsequently told J P Media that its entitlement to provide the Jessica Pressley service or any other on-demand programme service was suspended.

“The action taken in relation to the provider of Jessica Pressley service is the first of its kind and demonstrates that the ATVOD rules that apply to UK video on demand services are backed by effective enforcement procedures. We will continue to take robust action to ensure that UK operators of regulated VOD services comply with rules designed to protect children from harmful content, but we are not complacent and will continue to monitor relevant services and act as required,” said ATVOD chief executive Pete Johnson.