Pornhub blocks access for users in Australia as new rules take effect

"Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, RedTube, YouPorn and Tube8, has begun limiting access for Australian users, with Pornhub remaining partially accessible and showing only non-explicit content. The restriction comes ahead of new rules introduced by Australia's eSafety Commissioner to reduce children's exposure to harmful material taking effect."

"Under Phase 2 of the regulation federal age verification rules will be brought in for websites hosting porn, or other age-restricted material. On such sites, systems that verify users' ages, such as facial age estimation, digital identity wallets or photo identification, must be implemented. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to $49.5 million per breach."

"Australia is following a similar approach to the UK, which all our evidence shows does not effectively protect minors, and instead creates harms relating to data privacy and exposure to illegal content on non-compliant platforms. Last year, Pornhub restricted access for UK users in response to age verification requirements under the UK's Online Safety Act."

Aylo, parent company of Pornhub and related adult video platforms, has begun restricting access for Australian users in response to new regulations from Australia's eSafety Commissioner. Pornhub now displays only non-explicit content to Australian visitors. This restriction precedes Phase 2 regulations requiring age verification systems on adult content sites, with non-compliance penalties reaching $49.5 million per breach. Aylo argues this approach mirrors ineffective UK measures that compromise data privacy and drive users to non-compliant platforms. Similar restrictions occurred in the UK under the Online Safety Act and across 23 US states with age verification laws, including Louisiana's requirement for government ID.

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