Beginning January 1, 2025, residents of Florida will no longer be able to access Pornhub, one of the world’s most-visited adult websites, as a result of a new state law. The law, designed to protect minors from online harm, requires adult content websites to verify that users are at least 18 years old before granting access.
The law, House Bill 3 (HB 3), also includes measures to remove accounts from social media platforms that belong to children under 14, tightening the state’s grip on online content targeting minors.
Aylo Responds to Law with Site Ban
In response to the new law, Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, announced it would block all Florida-based users from accessing the site. The company criticized the law for being impractical and unsafe, claiming that it could compromise user privacy and safety by forcing adult websites to collect sensitive personal information.
In an email, Aylo stated, “Requiring adult sites to gather vast amounts of personal data could push users toward unregulated, unsafe platforms where they face greater risks.”
Warning Sent to Pornhub Users
Pornhub has already begun notifying its users in Florida about the coming restriction. A message displayed on the site informed users that they would soon need to verify their age by uploading government-issued identification to access the platform. The notification also criticized the law, saying it would force people to expose private information in exchange for content.
“Did you know your government wants you to provide your driver’s license to access Pornhub?” the message read. “You’ll need to upload your ID to every adult content website you visit.”
Lawmakers Defend the Law
Florida lawmakers, particularly the law’s sponsor, Representative Chase Tramont, have stood firm in their stance. Tramont, a Republican from Port Orange, argued that Pornhub’s refusal to comply reveals its true priorities. “Their choice to shut down instead of protecting children from harmful content tells us exactly who their audience is,” he said.
Sarasota Representative Fiona McFarland also weighed in, saying, “If a company can’t follow Florida’s laws, they shouldn’t be allowed to operate here.”
Unintended Effects of Age Verification
Aylo has voiced concerns that enforcing strict age verification could drive users to less regulated, potentially dangerous parts of the internet. The company pointed to its experience in Louisiana, where it saw an 80% drop in traffic after complying with similar age verification laws.
“These users didn’t stop looking for content,” Aylo explained. “They simply turned to other websites that don’t verify age or moderate their content, creating a more dangerous environment.”
Device-Level Solutions Proposed
Instead of website-based age verification, Aylo advocates for solutions that would verify age at the device level. This could include smartphones or other devices equipped with built-in parental controls that prevent minors from accessing adult content. Aylo argues this approach would enhance safety without risking users’ privacy.
“Device-level verification is the best way to protect children and preserve user privacy,” Aylo stated. “Many devices already offer parental controls that work well without exposing sensitive personal data.”
Pornhub’s stance comes amid broader scrutiny of the platform. In December 2023, the company settled with U.S. federal prosecutors after admitting that it had hosted videos of non-consensual and exploitative material. As part of the settlement, Aylo paid a $1.8 million fine and agreed to compensate victims.
“We hope this resolution helps bring closure to those impacted,” said Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Impact on Floridians
The ban is expected to significantly impact Florida residents, as Pornhub ranks among the top 20 most-visited websites globally. The platform, known for its user-generated content, has come under fire for issues such as revenge porn and the unauthorized sharing of material.
Floridians who try to access the site after January 1 will encounter a message warning them about the age restrictions and the need to verify they are at least 18.
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