Pornhub, owned by Aylo, has blocked access to its adult sites in Montana and North Carolina in response to new state laws requiring age verification to view adult content. The company argues that ID checks for each login compromise user safety and privacy and advocates for device-based age verification instead. While lobbying tech giants for a device-based solution, Pornhub is also facing regulatory challenges in the EU, where it has been designated as a "Very Large Online Platform" and must comply with stringent child safety measures. Amidst these challenges, Pornhub has agreed to pay $1.8 million to sex trafficking victims and enhance its content moderation following a federal investigation.
Pornhub has restricted access to its site for users in North Carolina and Montana in response to new age verification laws that require users to confirm their age with third-party verification. This action is part of Pornhub's protest against the laws, which they argue compromise user privacy and safety. The site has previously blocked access in other states with similar legislation. Users attempting to access Pornhub from the affected states are met with a video message explaining the site's position on the issue.
Pornhub has blocked access to its site for users in Montana in response to a new law requiring age verification to view adult content. Montana Senate Bill 544 mandates that individuals must prove they are at least 18 years old using methods like government-issued ID, which Pornhub argues compromises user safety and privacy. The law, which passed with bipartisan support and is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, has sparked debate over privacy and free speech rights. This move by Pornhub reflects ongoing legal disputes in the U.S. regarding access to sexually explicit material online.
