Pornhub expands its ‘ban’ in the US to these five new states
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jun 23, 2024, 01.43 PM IST
Pornhub is blocking access to its content in five more US states starting in July. The move comes in response to new age verification laws aimed at preventing minors from accessing adult content online.
Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska will join seven other states where Pornhub has already restricted access. The company says it's taking this action to protest laws that require users to upload government-issued ID to prove they are over 18 before viewing adult content.
Pornhub argues these laws create privacy risks and could lead to identity theft. The company claims that when similar laws were implemented in Louisiana, traffic to their site dropped by 80%. They worry this pushes users to less secure websites that don't follow safety guidelines.
"These laws have not only failed at protecting minors but have introduced further harm," Pornhub stated in a blog post. The company believes a better solution would be age verification through device operating systems, which would only require users to verify their age once.
The adult entertainment industry faces increasing regulation across the United States. Some states have declared pornography a public health crisis. However, websites like Pornhub say the new laws violate free speech rights protected by the First Amendment.
Critics of the age verification laws, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, call them "surveillance systems" that could lead to misuse of sensitive data. They worry about the collection and potential sale of private information.
Pornhub encourages its users to speak out against these laws and contact local governments to push for better solutions. The company acknowledges that "normalizing sex work and sexual expression is an uphill battle" but believes change is possible through education and public engagement.
As more states consider similar legislation, the debate over online privacy, child protection, and freedom of expression is likely to continue. The adult entertainment industry will need to navigate these complex issues while adapting to a changing regulatory landscape.
Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska will join seven other states where Pornhub has already restricted access. The company says it's taking this action to protest laws that require users to upload government-issued ID to prove they are over 18 before viewing adult content.
What Pornhub has to say
Pornhub argues these laws create privacy risks and could lead to identity theft. The company claims that when similar laws were implemented in Louisiana, traffic to their site dropped by 80%. They worry this pushes users to less secure websites that don't follow safety guidelines.
"These laws have not only failed at protecting minors but have introduced further harm," Pornhub stated in a blog post. The company believes a better solution would be age verification through device operating systems, which would only require users to verify their age once.
The adult entertainment industry faces increasing regulation across the United States. Some states have declared pornography a public health crisis. However, websites like Pornhub say the new laws violate free speech rights protected by the First Amendment.
Critics of the age verification laws, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, call them "surveillance systems" that could lead to misuse of sensitive data. They worry about the collection and potential sale of private information.
Pornhub encourages its users to speak out against these laws and contact local governments to push for better solutions. The company acknowledges that "normalizing sex work and sexual expression is an uphill battle" but believes change is possible through education and public engagement.
As more states consider similar legislation, the debate over online privacy, child protection, and freedom of expression is likely to continue. The adult entertainment industry will need to navigate these complex issues while adapting to a changing regulatory landscape.