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Ofcom investigates 34 porn sites over UK age verification

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Liv McMahon

Technology reporter

Getty Images A smartphone held in the hand of an unidentifiable man, who is wearing a colourful top and sitting on a bed.Getty Images

Ofcom is investigating four companies, operating a total of 34 porn sites, over whether they are complying with its new age check requirements.

The regulator said on Friday more than 6,000 sites allowing pornography and other adult content would start using “highly effective” tools to verify or estimate whether users were over or under the age of 18.

But Ofcom says some sites may be ignoring its new rules – designed to stop children stumbling across porn or other content deemed harmful by lawmakers.

It has opened formal probes into 8579 LLC, AVS Group Ltd, Kick Online Entertainment S.A. and Trendio Ltd, which it says have more than nine million monthly visitors combined across their sites.

“These companies have been prioritised based on the risk of harm posed by the services they operate and their user numbers,” Ofcom said in a press release on Thursday.

The regulator is already investigating a range of platforms over similar suspicions.

It previously opened probes into online message board 4chan and porn provider First Time Videos LLC in June.

Prior to that it launched formal investigations into an online suicide forum, file-sharing services and a company that runs a so-called “nudifying” site.

“We expect to make further enforcement announcements in the coming weeks and months,” the regulator said.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle welcomed the announcement and said it “goes to the very heart of what the Online Safety Act is here to do”.

“These laws have nothing to do with censorship or policing adults seeking to access legal content,” he said.

“Those who suggest otherwise are playing politics with child safety and have no practical alternatives for protecting our children from content they should never see – content that can cause lasting, even fatal, damage.”

Age checks online

Since age verification requirements took effect on Friday, people in the UK have been asked to confirm their age across a range of different platforms including social media platforms Reddit and X.

Spotify confirmed to the BBC on Wednesday that it may prompt people in the UK, among other locations including Australia, to confirm their age if accessing music videos rated 18+ by uploaders.

The sweeping rules have prompted a backlash from some who see the requirements as an overreach or potential privacy concern.

More than 400,000 people have now signed a petition calling for the repeal of the Online Safety Act – the law requiring age checks to stop children encountering adult content.

The government said in response it has no plans to withdraw the law.

Some have also criticised the effectiveness of Ofcom’s implementation of UK age check requirements, and their potential circumvention using virtual private networks.

Apps providing free VPNs – which allow people to disguise their location online, in order to access the web from a different location – topped free app download charts on Apple’s App Store after the rules came into effect on Friday.

Ofcom has defended the measures as no “silver bullet” but said they will help make the internet safer for children by reducing the chance of them “stumbling across porn”.



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Top 35 Travel Trends in August

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The 2025 August travel trends reveal a world in transformation, where nostalgia meets innovation and wellness intersects with luxury. This month’s top developments highlight how travel continues to evolve with purpose-driven experiences, tech-driven personalization, and imaginative brand partnerships that redefine how we explore and unwind.

At the forefront of digital innovation, Mindtrip debuts a new AI-powered mobile app, offering real-time, hyper-personalized travel guidance that adapts to users on the go. United Airlines also upgraded its app with a connecting flight-centric feature, simplifying complicated itineraries for smoother travel. Meanwhile, the luxury sector is expanding with a renewed focus on wellbeing. Marriott International’s Luxury Group launched its ‘Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025’ across top Asian destinations, while Loreto’s Mailena, debuting in late summer 2026, introduces a restorative adults-only retreat to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.

Nostalgia is trending, too as ‘Pan Am Journeys’ by Private Air, under license from the iconic Pan American World Airways, offers retro-inspired, private air travel experiences. Similarly, Carl Friedrik’s ‘Carry-on X Core Collection’ nods to mid-century aviation aesthetics with sleek, functional design. On the water, Viking makes waves by entering the Indian river cruise market with the introduction of the ‘Viking Brahmaputra,’ bringing high-end cruising to the subcontinent. Nox, looking to the future of European rail travel, announces plans for 2027 overnight trains with private, comfort-first cabins—reshaping the night train experience.

On the lifestyle side, Four Seasons adds flair with its ‘Resort Pajamas Collection,’ while Groupe GM and Hei Poa debut a soothing, protective sun care hotel amenity line. Additionally, ‘The Cayman Club’ by Cayman Jack provides travelers with a sense of calm amid travel disruptions, and ‘Camp Unwritten’ by World of Hyatt and Reese’s Book Club invites guests to glamp with books, nature, and luxury.

Altogether, August’s travel trends reflect a traveler mindset increasingly shaped by individuality, relaxation, and meaningful escape—one that seeks not just destinations, but immersive, personal journeys.



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Nepal’s Royal Tulip opens Doors

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In a major push to elevate Nepal’s hospitality landscape, Sarovar Hotels—part of the Louvre Hotels Group—has launched Royal Tulip Chitwan, the brand’s premium entry into the country. Situated at the edge of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the new resort seamlessly blends luxury, nature, and Nepali culture. The opening marks the debut of the Royal Tulip brand in Nepal and signals growing confidence in the country’s tourism potential.

 

Developed by KTM Hospitality (a KTM Group Holdings company), the resort spans over 4 acres and offers 65 upscale rooms and villas. Accommodation options include private Pool Villas, serene Water Villas, and unique Machan-style stays that elevate the guest experience. With a focus on nature-inspired design and top-tier comfort, the resort is positioned as an ideal destination for luxury travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, and honeymooners alike.

 

Royal Tulip Chitwan goes beyond just accommodation, offering world-class facilities like a luxury spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and multiple gourmet dining options. Guests can enjoy meals at Majhighar, Forest Flame, the revolving deck Machan, or unwind at the stylish Tanavi Sports Bar. The emphasis is on immersive experiences rooted in local culture and cuisine, combined with global service standards.

 

Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman of Sarovar Hotels, emphasised the strategic significance of this launch, noting Nepal’s increasing appeal among Indian and international tourists. He stated that Royal Tulip Chitwan is designed to offer a luxurious yet culturally authentic retreat. Rameshwar Shah of KTM Hospitality echoed this sentiment, highlighting the resort’s role in promoting Chitwan as a luxury eco-tourism hotspot.

 

With this debut, Louvre Hotels Group is expanding its South Asian footprint by targeting high-potential, experience-driven markets. Royal Tulip Chitwan is expected to become a landmark for leisure travel in Nepal, attracting guests seeking a tranquil yet luxurious escape surrounded by nature and culture.



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Wyndham expands in Wayanad Hills

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its footprint in South India with the upcoming Ramada by Wyndham Wayanad Vythiri, a 52-room upscale hotel scheduled to open in 2026. Nestled in the lush greenery of Vythiri, this property is being developed by local entrepreneur Asok Thirikkoth. The hotel is poised to cater to a growing wave of both domestic and international travellers seeking wellness and nature-driven escapes.

The hotel will feature modern amenities, including a full-service spa, all-day dining, meeting and event spaces, and rooms designed for both leisure and business needs. This launch is expected to enhance the hospitality landscape of Wayanad, a region gaining popularity for eco-tourism and holistic wellness offerings.

Asok Thirikkoth emphasised that the Ramada brand’s arrival aligns with the vision to elevate local tourism. Wyndham’s Rahool Macarius also highlighted Wayanad’s potential as a high-demand destination for eco-conscious travelers, signaling the brand’s long-term commitment to Tier-2 markets.

With over 9,300 hotels globally, Wyndham’s strategic expansion in India continues, reflecting its focus on emerging leisure destinations and robust regional collaborations that prioritise sustainable growth and premium guest experiences.



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