Pornhub exits France, its second-biggest market, over age verification law

In a significant move, Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, has ceased operations in France due to disagreements with a new law mandating age verification for adult sites. Effective from Wednesday, the company has blocked access to its platforms, which also include YouPorn and Redtube. Alex Kekesi, Aylo's vice president of brand and community, described the decision as difficult but necessary. The French communications regulator, Arcom, criticized Aylo for opting out of the law aimed at protecting minors, arguing that the company is neglecting its responsibility. Arcom highlighted that multiple technical solutions exist to verify user ages while maintaining privacy. For years, Aylo has sought to collaborate with French authorities on age verification methods that wouldn't compromise user data security. The firm contends that the responsibility for age checks should fall on device manufacturers like Apple and Google, rather than adult content providers. Kekesi emphasized that French citizens deserve laws that prioritize both child safety and privacy. France represents Pornhub's second-largest market after the United States, with the country enacting stricter regulations for adult sites last year. These rules may require users to submit sensitive information, such as bank card details, to access content. French Gender Equality Minister Aurore Bergé welcomed Aylo's decision, suggesting it would reduce access to harmful content for minors. As global concerns about online child safety grow, the U.S. has also seen states implement age verification laws, leading some adult sites to block users instead of investing in compliance measures. Recently, the European Commission initiated an investigation into Pornhub and other major adult platforms for failing to adhere to regulations designed to shield minors from pornography. The Commission is working on an age-verification app to allow individuals to prove their age without disclosing personal details.