Ofcom launches investigations into Kick Online Entertainment for breach of UK online safety act
Providers of services in scope of the Act are required to assess the risk of people in the UK encountering illegal content on their service, and take appropriate steps to protect them from it.
On 14 May 2025, the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, announced two formal investigations into Kick Online Entertainment S.A. for potential non-compliance with the Online Safety Act. The company is responsible for the pornography platform Motherless.com, which is under scrutiny following serious concerns about illegal content.
Under the Online Safety Act, all service providers within scope must assess the risk of users in the UK encountering illegal content on their platforms. They are also required to implement appropriate protective measures and maintain accurate records of these risk assessments. Moreover, platforms must respond to statutory information requests from Ofcom in a complete and timely manner.
As part of an enforcement programme launched on 3 March 2025, Ofcom requested Kick Online Entertainment to submit its illegal content risk assessment for review. The company failed to respond. Consequently, Ofcom initiated investigations into whether the provider neglected its legal obligations to conduct and document an adequate risk assessment and to comply with the statutory information request.
The investigations follow complaints alleging the presence of child sexual abuse material and extreme pornography on Motherless.com. Ofcom has indicated it will also assess whether the platform has in place appropriate safety measures for UK users. A separate investigation may be opened if further concerns arise regarding compliance with user protection duties.
If Ofcom finds evidence of non-compliance, it may issue a provisional notice of contravention, giving the provider a chance to respond before a final decision is made. Enforcement powers under the Act allow Ofcom to compel platforms to take corrective action, impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, and in severe cases, seek court orders to disrupt business operations — including blocking websites or cutting off access to payment and advertising services.
This case is part of broader enforcement efforts. Ofcom is also investigating illegal content on file-sharing services, online suicide forums, and compliance with age assurance in the adult sector. With more duties under the Online Safety Act set to take effect, further enforcement actions are expected in the coming months.
