Latest news with #WillOliver
UPI
27-05-2025
- Business
- UPI
EU to probe gaps in protection of minors on porn websites
On Tuesday, European Commission officials announced the EU's politically independent arm will investigate porn platforms Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos over alleged lapses in protection measures for minors. Photo by Will Oliver/EPA-EFE May 27 (UPI) -- The European Commission said Tuesday it will look into major pornography websites in its effort to better protect young people under age 18 from lewd Internet content. The EU's politically independent executive arm will investigate porn platforms Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos over alleged lapses in its protection measures for minors, European Commission officials announced Tuesday. "The online space should be a safe environment for children to learn and connect," said Henna Virkkunen, a Finnish politician and the EC's executive VP of tech sovereignty, security and democracy. It will center on age verification steps to keep minors away from adult content and will further examine how the porn platforms verify and mitigate risks. A European Union official said Thursday during a press briefing that there is concern that current digital systems of self-declaration are not effective, adding that the requested info shows those in charge lack "an effective age verification system in place." In addition, it also terminated its designation of Stripchat as a "very large online platform" after it reported fewer users than the 45 million-user threshold. Meanwhile, there is no time limit to conclude a probe under the European bloc's Digital Services Act which can result in a hefty fine up to 6% of a digital porn distributor's global turnover rate. Canada-based Pornhub is owned by Aylo Holdings, a subsidiary of private equity firm Ethical Capital Partners, formerly known as MindGeek after Ethical acquired it in March 2023 only to rebrand months later that August. It arrived as the issue of protection on the Internet for minors has reached the EU's agenda for its 27-member country's and the European Commission. "We are not excluding future expansion of the proceedings" into other issues under Europe's DSA like illegal ads or other content, an EC official told Politico. The Commission said individual European national authorities will work hand-in-hand to oversee compliance on smaller porn websites under the Digital Services Board, with another saying local agencies are empowered to open joint investigations and "really kind of put pressure" on smaller pornography platforms. "Our priority is to protect minors and allow them to navigate safely online," stated Finland's Virkkunen, adding that by working with digital coordinators in member EU states, "we are determined to tackle any potential harm to young online users."
Fashion Network
08-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Sneaker label Autry picks London's Soho for UK debut
Classic-contemporary unisex sneaker brand Autry has chosen London's Soho for its first UK store, with a 2,600 sq ft space on busy Beak Street. The property, operated by Shaftesbury Capital, reflects the brand'strademark '80s look but the vintage-style products come with a contemporary, sports-performance-oriented twist. The immersive boutique also mirrors Autry's 'celebration of American aesthetics, spirit, and sport heritage throughout its design with an Italian twist'. The latest opening for the brand comes after Italian private equity group Style Capital acquired a 50.2% stake in Autry International just over a year ago. It then announced a retail expansion plan that would see more than 20 Autry brand stores opening in luxury shopping destinations in Italy and abroad. Roberta Benaglia, founder and CEO of Style Capital, said: 'The opening of Autry's first flagship store in London marks a pivotal moment in the brand's journey. It's more than a retail milestone, it brings Autry's iconic values to life through a space that reflects our identity. London, with its cultural vibrancy and global spirit, was the natural first stage for this step. This boutique represents a new chapter in our strategy to build a strong international presence and connect with our global community, combining authenticity, quality, and a bold vision for the future.' Autry joins the high-in-demand retail neighbourhood that will see active brand TALA open on nearby Carnaby Street this month, plus Pangaia (also on Carnaby Street), and Salomon on Broadwick Street. Will Oliver, Retail director at Shaftesbury Capital, said: 'We've actively curated a leading collection of retailers in Soho, with Autry another high-quality addition to our community.'
Fashion Network
08-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Sneaker label Autry picks London's Soho for UK debut
Classic-contemporary unisex sneaker brand Autry has chosen London's Soho for its first UK store, with a 2,600 sq ft space on busy Beak Street. The property, operated by Shaftesbury Capital, reflects the brand'strademark '80s look but the vintage-style products come with a contemporary, sports-performance-oriented twist. The immersive boutique also mirrors Autry's 'celebration of American aesthetics, spirit, and sport heritage throughout its design with an Italian twist'. The latest opening for the brand comes after Italian private equity group Style Capital acquired a 50.2% stake in Autry International just over a year ago. It then announced a retail expansion plan that would see more than 20 Autry brand stores opening in luxury shopping destinations in Italy and abroad. Roberta Benaglia, founder and CEO of Style Capital, said: 'The opening of Autry's first flagship store in London marks a pivotal moment in the brand's journey. It's more than a retail milestone, it brings Autry's iconic values to life through a space that reflects our identity. London, with its cultural vibrancy and global spirit, was the natural first stage for this step. This boutique represents a new chapter in our strategy to build a strong international presence and connect with our global community, combining authenticity, quality, and a bold vision for the future.' Autry joins the high-in-demand retail neighbourhood that will see active brand TALA open on nearby Carnaby Street this month, plus Pangaia (also on Carnaby Street), and Salomon on Broadwick Street. Will Oliver, Retail director at Shaftesbury Capital, said: 'We've actively curated a leading collection of retailers in Soho, with Autry another high-quality addition to our community.'
Fashion United
08-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Autry opens debut UK store in London
Contemporary unisex sneaker brand Autry, owned by Italian private equity group Style Capital, has opened its first store in the UK. Located at 61-63 Beak Street in Soho, London, Autry has opened a 2,600 square foot store with an immersive design that celebrates the brand's American aesthetics and sport heritage with an Italian twist. Roberta Benaglia, founder and chief executive of Style Capital, which acquired a majority stake in Autry in March 2024, said in a statement: 'The opening of Autry's first flagship store in London marks a pivotal moment in the brand's journey. It's more than a retail milestone, it brings Autry's iconic values to life through a space that reflects our identity. 'London, with its cultural vibrancy and global spirit, was the natural first stage for this step. This boutique represents a new chapter in our strategy to build a strong international presence and connect with our global community, combining authenticity, quality, and a bold vision for the future.' Autry London store Credits: Shaftesbury Capital Established in 1982, Autry is known for its vintage-style 80s look unisex trainers with a contemporary and performance-focused twist. Autry joins a series of names on Soho's Beak Street, including Grown Alchemist, the brand's first UK store, as well as Ganni, and Samsøe & Samsøe, and will sit close by activewear brand Tala, which is due to open on Carnaby Street, and Pangaia and Salomon in the neighbourhood. Will Oliver, retail and restaurant director at landlord Shaftesbury Capital, added: 'Autry's debut UK store continues to spotlight the unparalleled appeal of Soho, and our ability to partner with the best brands around on their physical retail journeys.'
