Pornhub to Restrict UK Access Amid Online Safety Act Concerns
Pornhub announced it would restrict access to its website for users in the United Kingdom starting next week, February 2nd, citing the stricter age verification requirements introduced by the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA). According to the company, only individuals who have previously created a Pornhub account would be able to access its content.
Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, stated that the updates to the OSA had "not achieved its goal of protecting minors" and had "diverted traffic to darker, unregulated corners of the internet," according to BBC Technology. In October, Aylo reported a 77% decrease in traffic to the website following the law change. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, stated at the time that the tougher age checks were fulfilling their intended purpose.
Deutsche Bank Offices Raided in Money Laundering Probe
Deutsche Bank's offices in Frankfurt and Berlin were raided by officials as part of an investigation into money laundering, BBC Business reported. The Office of the Federal Prosecutor stated it was conducting an investigation, involving the Federal Criminal Police Office, into "unknown individuals and employees" at Germany's largest bank.
The investigation focused on business relationships Deutsche Bank "maintained...in the past with foreign companies" suspected of "having been used for money laundering purposes as part of further investigations." A Deutsche Bank spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that searches had been carried out at its premises. Officials declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation.
EasyJet Ad Banned for Misleading Cabin Bag Fee Claim
EasyJet was warned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for claiming that carry-on baggage fees were available "from £5.99," BBC Business reported. The ASA stated that EasyJet failed to provide evidence that passengers could purchase a carry-on bag for that price.
The claim on EasyJet's website was flagged to the ASA by consumer group Which?, which noted that airlines often advertise low fares but have additional fees. EasyJet responded by stating: "We always aim to provide clear information to our customers on pricing and the purpose." The ASA ruled that customers would assume from EasyJet's wording they could purchase a carry-on bag for £5.99.
UK Security Tactics in China Revealed
As Prime Minister Keir Starmer's team traveled to China, heightened security arrangements were in place, including the use of burner phones and lead-lined bags, The Guardian reported. Such security measures were not new, with previous administrations also taking precautions.
The Guardian noted that when prime ministers travel to China, a "quiet game of cat and mouse" takes place as each country tests the other's tradecraft and capabilities.
Former South Korean First Lady Jailed for Corruption
South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to 20 months in jail for corruption, Sky News reported. Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was found guilty of receiving luxury gifts, including a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel bag, from the Unification Church in exchange for political favors.
She was also ordered to pay a fine of 12.8 million won (£6,495). The court demanded the return of the gifts. Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted over a martial law bid. The sentencing took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
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