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FLORIDA - In response to Florida's upcoming age verification law, adult website Pornhub has announced it will block access to its site for users in the state beginning January 1st, 2025.
The legislation, known as HB 3, mandates that websites containing adult content verify that all visitors are at least 18 years old.
This measure aims to protect minors from accessing explicit material online.
However, it has raised concerns regarding user privacy and the security of personal information.
The Free Speech Coalition, an advocacy group for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent the law from taking effect, citing privacy and free speech issues.
Mike Stabile, the coalition's public policy director, expressed apprehension about the security of the required age verification process, stating, "When you’re uploading an ID or when you’re doing this type of verification, nothing is ever secure."
Supporters of the law argue that it includes provisions for anonymous age verification conducted by third parties, designed to protect personal information.
Ian Corby, director of the Age Verification Providers Association, noted that the industry was created to verify age online without disclosing identity.
Pornhub has previously restricted access in other states with similar laws, including Texas and Virginia.
The company's parent organization, Aylo, stated that while they support age verification to protect children, the current methods mandated by laws like Florida's are "ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous," potentially jeopardizing user safety by requiring the collection of sensitive personal information.
Aylo advocates for device-based age verification as a safer alternative, emphasizing that existing technology and parental control features can prevent minors from accessing adult content without compromising user privacy.
As the January 1 implementation date approaches, the debate continues over balancing the protection of minors online with the privacy rights of adult internet users.