ATVOD makes first rulings as new regulations come into force

UK video-on-demand regulator ATVOD has ruled that two adult online on-demand services have breached new statutory regulations that ban UK VoD services that carry material that would be banned on DVD. 

The rulings are the first made by ATVOD under new regulations on prohibited material and come as the body introduced new guidance on the statutory rules it enforces.

ATVOD held the two services, Glasgow Mistress Megara Furie and Mistress R’eal, were in breach of two new rules,  respectively requiring that material that would be classified R18 by the BBFC for DVD release could only be made available on UK VoD service if access is blocked to children, and that material that would be refused a classification for DVD release is prohibited on VoD.

The Mistress Megara service was closed within three days of notice being brought to the operator’s attention, while ATVOD action against the Mistress R’eal service is ongoing.

Separately, ATVOD has ruled against three other adult sites – Lads Next Door, Panties Pulled Down and Montys POV – that failed to put hardcore adult material beyond the reach of children. Lads Next Door has subsequently complied with the requirements for adult services, while the other two services have been referred to Ofcom for consideration of sanctions.