Sections of this topic
In this article, we’ll look at the reasons behind Pornhub’s decision to block users in Utah due to a new online age verification law, its impact on internet users, and the possible consequences of similar laws in other states.
Key Takeaways:
- Utah’s new age verification law (SB 287) requires users to verify their age using a digitized identification card approved by the state.
- Pornhub has blocked access to its website for users in Utah, citing privacy and safety concerns.
- The company suggests using a digital verification method that identifies users by their device, rather than a government-issued ID.
- A similar law went into effect in Louisiana, which resulted in an 80% drop in traffic from the state.
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital rights group, argues that online age verification mandates undermine anonymity online and pose a risk to personal data.
Utah’s Age Verification Law
Utah recently implemented a new age verification law known as SB 287, causing quite a stir in the online adult entertainment industry.
Signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox in March, the legislation requires adult websites to verify the age of users through a digitized identification card approved by the state.
The primary goal of the law is to protect minors from accessing explicit content online, and companies will be held legally accountable if they fail to comply.
This new law goes a step further than Utah’s previous requirement for pornographic sites to display a warning label.
Pornhub’s Protest in Utah
In response to Utah’s age verification law, Pornhub, one of the most popular adult websites, has taken a stand and blocked all users from the state.
When attempting to access the site, Utah-based users are met with a message from adult performer Cherie Deville explaining the reason for the shutdown.
Deville asserts that while safety and compliance are essential, providing an ID card every time someone wants to visit an adult platform is not the most effective solution for protecting users.
Furthermore, Deville argues that this method puts children and user privacy at risk.
As a result, Pornhub has decided to disable access to its website in Utah until a more viable solution is offered.
Alternative Identification Methods
Pornhub has suggested the use of a digital verification method that identifies users by their devices instead of relying on a government-issued ID.
The company is urging residents to contact their local representatives to consider alternative identification methods.
Without an alternative in place, Utah residents will remain unable to access Pornhub or will need to resort to using a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass the local law.
The Impact of Louisiana’s Age Verification Law
A similar age verification law came into effect in Louisiana earlier this year, which required users to verify their age through the state’s digital ID service when accessing adult websites like Pornhub.
Interestingly, Pornhub complied with Louisiana’s restrictions, leading Utah Senator Todd Weiler to believe that the site would eventually adhere to Utah’s law as well.
According to Weiler, if a company is following the laws in Los Angeles, they will probably also follow the laws in Utah.
However, it’s important to note that since the implementation of the Louisiana law, traffic to Pornhub from the state has dropped by 80%.
Privacy and Safety Concerns
Though the intention behind Utah’s age verification law is to protect children, it has raised significant privacy and safety concerns.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a nonprofit digital rights group, argues that online age verification mandates undermine anonymity and put users’ data at risk.
The EFF points out that websites could potentially misuse the identification data they receive.
Despite these concerns, more stringent age verification laws continue to emerge.
For example, another Utah law will require children under 18 to obtain parental consent before signing up for a social media site starting in March 2024, and imposes a curfew for children accessing social sites from 10:30 PM to 6:30 AM.
Arkansas has also followed suit with a social media safety bill of its own, although the details of what it considers a social network remain unclear.
Conclusion
The increasing number of age verification laws, like those in Utah and Louisiana, has ignited a debate about how to protect minors from explicit content without compromising users’ privacy and safety.
As these laws become more prevalent, it is crucial to strike a balance between protecting children and maintaining privacy.
In the meantime, the impact of these laws on adult websites and the potential for unintended consequences will continue to be a subject of discussion and scrutiny.
As adult websites like Pornhub push back against age verification laws, they highlight the need for more effective and less invasive methods of protecting minors from explicit content.
The ongoing debate regarding age verification laws emphasizes the importance of collaboration between lawmakers, digital rights organizations, and adult entertainment platforms to develop practical solutions that prioritize the safety of minors without compromising user privacy.
The unfolding story of Utah’s age verification law and its impact on adult websites serves as a reminder that striking the right balance is critical to ensure the protection of both children and user privacy in an increasingly digital world.
