Porn Sites in France Block Access in Protest Against Age Verification

By Netvora Tech News

Several well-known adult websites have blocked access in France in protest against the country's new age verification law, according to Le Monde. The affected websites, including Pornhub, YouPorn, and RedTube, are all owned by the company Aylo. As of June 7, French websites are required to verify the age of their visitors. Previously, users were asked to self-identify as adults or minors. Under the new law, verification will take place through a credit card or identity document. The French media outlet RFI reports that the age verification process will utilize "double anonymity." The website will only receive confirmation of whether a user is an adult or minor. The provider conducting the age control will know the user's identity, but not which website they are visiting. Aylo claims it is not opposed to age verification, but believes it should take place at the level of the smartphone or computer, with the responsibility falling on companies like Apple, Microsoft, or Google. One of Aylo's owners has described the French legislation as "dangerous," potentially invasive of privacy and ineffective. French State Secretary for Digital Technologies, Clara Chappaz, seems unconcerned about the blocked websites. "I wish them luck!" she said in a statement. "If these sites would rather leave France than protect our children, they have no business being here."

Background

The new French law aims to prevent minors from accessing adult content online. However, some argue that the measure may be overly broad and potentially infringe on users' privacy. The debate highlights the challenges of balancing online freedom with the need to protect children from harmful content.

Reactions

Aylo's stance has been met with criticism from some quarters, with the French government seemingly unwilling to compromise. The blocked websites may ultimately choose to relocate to other countries with more permissive laws, potentially undermining the effectiveness of the French legislation.

Implications

The controversy has far-reaching implications for online free speech, privacy, and the regulation of adult content. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the French government will reconsider its approach or whether the blocked websites will find alternative solutions to comply with the law.

The French law requires age verification for adult websites, with providers responsible for ensuring compliance.
Aylo, the owner of the blocked websites, argues that age verification should take place at the level of the smartphone or computer.
French State Secretary Clara Chappaz has expressed support for the blocked websites leaving France rather than complying with the law.