Anti-Porn Laws Are Sweeping the Country, but There’s One Crucial Problem Lawmakers Will Need to Confront

Pornographic websites now have to verify the age of their users in several states, yet some advocates are claiming that the laws not only invade user privacy, but are also difficult — if not impossible — to enforce.

The pornography industry has argued in court that these laws would force pornographic websites to keep a database of sensitive information regarding their viewers. The industry also claims that the laws are easily evaded, meaning bad actors in the industry could operate black market sites that capitalize on exploitation and illegal content. The Free Speech Coalition, which is representing PornHub in a lawsuit in Texas, argued in a complaint that the law is “the least effective and yet also the most restrictive means of accomplishing Texas’ stated purpose of allegedly protecting minors.”

Likely fearing some sort of enforcement mechanism, PornHub did block users in certain states before the laws took effect, including Mississippi, Virginia and Utah. Users who try to visit PornHub’s website in these states are met with a message from a fully-clothed pornographic film star explaining why the site is no longer available.

“While safety and compliance are at the forefront of our mission, giving your ID card every time you want to visit an adult platform is not the most effective solution for protecting our users, and in fact, will put children and your privacy at risk,” the message reads.

It’s happening.

“Pornhub has pulled out of multiple states rather than comply with age-verification laws.”https://t.co/j6UAXtKfpr @politico

— Brad Wilcox (@BradWilcoxIFS) August 8, 2023

(Read more from “Anti-Porn Laws Are Sweeping the Country, but There’s One Crucial Problem Lawmakers Will Need to Confront” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr

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