Pornhub restricts access in Texas

Texas residents attempting to access Aylo’s adult entertainment sites, including Pornhub, will face restricted access as of Thursday, necessitating the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

This change is in response to age verification laws, and users are now greeted with a message opposing these regulations rather than explicit content.

While several states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, Utah, Montana, and North Carolina, have passed age verification laws, Texas has previously faced legal challenges to enforcement.

However, a recent decision by the United States Court of Appeals cleared the way for Texas to enact these regulations.

Critics, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation and R Street, have raised concerns about the impact of age verification laws on data security and privacy. As a result, Pornhub has decided to restrict access in states with such legislation rather than risk implementing potentially problematic age verification methods.

Previously, Pornhub met Louisiana’s age verification requirements by integrating with the LA Wallet application. However, as similar laws were implemented in other states, the platform’s approach shifted. Users in affected states are now directed to educational videos starring Cherie DeVille, an adult film star.

It’s worth noting that adult actors who live in these states can still upload content using their creator accounts after undergoing identity verification.

These developments coincide with ongoing Congressional debates over internet platform regulation. Bills such as the Kids Online Safety Act have sparked discussions about children’s internet safety.

Nonetheless, there are concerns about potential unintended consequences and government intervention, as evidenced by recent legislative actions aimed at platforms such as TikTok.

As the Senate considers these issues, it is critical to remain informed about the changing landscape of internet regulation and its implications.