• The European Commission investigates Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos for not adhering to child protection laws.
• The probe focuses on inadequate age verification systems and risk mitigation measures for minors.
• If violations are confirmed, platforms face penalties of up to 6% of their global turnover.
• The Commission emphasizes that child safety online is a top priority.
• Member states will also enforce regulations on smaller pornographic platforms.

The European Commission (EC) has launched an investigation into four major adult content platforms—Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos—over allegations of insufficient measures to protect minors. The inquiry examines whether these sites comply with the new requirements under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates stronger protections against harmful online content for children, including effective age verification systems, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

The Commission's concerns were raised after a preliminary review indicated that the platforms lacked adequate privacy, safety, and security measures for minors. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated, "The online space should be a safe environment for children to learn and connect," highlighting the Commission's commitment to child safety online. She emphasized that platforms need to centralize children's rights in their services, as noted by Reuters and BBC.

If these companies are found to be in violation of the DSA regulations, they could be subjected to fines up to 6% of their global turnover. This enforcement action aims to enhance online protections for children in an environment where many regulators are scrutinizing adult content sites, according to The Hill and India Times.

The EC has also indicated plans to develop an EU-wide age-verification application, aimed at providing a secure method for confirming users' ages without compromising their privacy. This initiative reflects a growing international trend towards establishing digital safeguards for youth online, as discussed in sources such as Le Monde and Channel News Asia.