Age-Check Rules Stir Controversy In Adult Industry: Privacy And Censorship Concerns At Forefront on OnlyLikeFans

Australian Sex Workers Sound Alarm on Age-Check Rules

Australia is stepping up its game in online safety by mandating age verification for adult websites, but stakeholders in the porn industry are worried it might backfire. Sex workers and companies like Aylo, which owns top porn sites like Pornhub and Brazzers, say the new rules could drive users to less secure, non-compliant sites, risking both privacy and censorship.

This week, eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant unveiled the new requirement, set to take effect next March, as part of a broader initiative to protect minors online. Crafted by Australia's tech industry, these rules demand advanced age-check methods such as face scans, algorithmic analysis, and government ID verification. Even social media platforms like Reddit will be impacted.

Concerns Over Data Privacy and Censorship

Sex work advocacy group Scarlet Alliance, along with Aylo, has warned that these regulations may inadvertently censor non-explicit content. "This [overcapture] has detrimental impacts for young people and adults, and suppresses free speech more broadly," said Scarlet Alliance CEO Mish Pony.

“There's a current STI awareness campaign run by Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia that can't get Google advertising because tech platforms conflate all kinds of content as explicit adult content that needs to be blocked or go behind an age wall,” Pony noted.

Aylo echoed these sentiments, also expressing disappointment with the lack of consideration for privacy risks. Their spokesperson suggested that users might turn to "dangerous non-compliant sites" just as was witnessed after similar measures were implemented in the UK, which saw a surge in VPN usage to bypass age restrictions.

Mixed Reactions, But Hope for Safer Practices

While both Scarlet Alliance and Aylo voice strong concerns about how age verification is being implemented, they aren't against the core idea of protecting minors. They hope for a balanced approach that safeguards privacy while effectively controlling access to explicit material.

The introduction of these online safety codes was met positively by several sectors, including tech, gaming, and telco industries, as well as sex education advocates like Teach Us Consent. As the debate continues, the aim remains to find a solution that meets the needs of all stakeholders without compromising on public safety or individual rights.