Pornhub, one of the largest adult entertainment websites, has announced it will cease operations in five additional states—Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska—starting July 2024. This decision follows the introduction of legislation in these states requiring age verification for accessing adult content. Lawmakers advocating for these measures argue that the rules will help prevent minors from viewing explicit material.
Kentucky’s bill, for example, labels pornography as a public health crisis, highlighting its potential corrosive impact on children. The legislation mandates that users of adult websites like Pornhub must verify their age by uploading a copy of their driver’s license or another government-issued ID or by registering with a third-party age verification service.
This move is not unprecedented. Pornhub’s parent company, Aylo, previously ceased operations in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Virginia, and Utah due to similar laws. These measures are part of a broader trend as more states consider implementing age verification requirements for online porn distributors.
Aylo has expressed concerns over these laws, arguing that they jeopardize user privacy and may not effectively prevent minors from accessing explicit content. When Louisiana enacted a similar law last year, Aylo complied by using a government-supported age verification service. However, this led to an 80 percent drop in Pornhub traffic in the state, indicating significant pushback from users unwilling to share their personal information.
The push for age verification legislation is largely driven by conservative non-profit organizations the American Principles Project. Proponents of these laws argue that they are necessary to protect children from early exposure to pornography, which is now occurring at an average age of just 12 years old. They cite studies linking pornography use to various mental health and relationship issues, as well as sexually abusive behavior.
Supporters also argue that parents need assistance in managing their children’s exposure to explicit content due to the pervasive nature of the internet and electronic devices. They compare age verification laws to existing regulations that prevent minors from purchasing cigarettes, alcohol, or placing sports bets, emphasizing the public interest in protecting children from adult content.
Critics of age verification argue that it could limit adults’ access to legal content and raise privacy concerns. However, the legislation includes provisions to prevent porn websites or third-party age verification firms from retaining any identifying data. Legal experts believe that these laws align with the Supreme Court’s requirements for protecting minors from pornographic material without broadly suppressing adult speech.
The debate over age verification laws is likely to continue as more states consider similar measures. While it remains to be seen if these laws will effectively curb minors’ access to pornography, they represent a significant step towards addressing the issue at a legislative level. As states implement these regulations, the impact on the availability and consumption of adult content will be closely monitored.