Kentucky'S New Law Sends Shockwaves Through Pornhub: User Restrictions Loom

Pornhub Warns of Impending Access Cut-off

Kentuckians are on alert as the world’s largest adult content site, Pornhub, has issued a stark warning: access to the site might soon be cut off. This move comes in response to Kentucky's House Bill 278, which demands websites hosting content considered "harmful to minors" to verify users' ages through official documents.

Passed earlier this year, the bill has rapidly moved through Kentucky's legislative chambers, gaining unanimous support before being signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear. The deadline for compliance is set for July 15, though Pornhub has already announced plans to restrict access starting July 10.

Privacy Concerns and Industry Reaction

Pornhub’s parent company, Aylo, argues that while they support age verification, the current law risks user privacy. They highlight that requiring personal documents could jeopardize the security of sensitive information. Instead, Aylo advocates for device-based verification methods.

“We don’t want minors accessing our site and think preventing that from happening is a good thing. But putting everybody’s privacy at risk won’t achieve that.”

Aylo representatives point to a similar law in Louisiana, noting a significant 80% drop in site traffic there due to compliance. They warn that such regulations could push users to less regulated and potentially unsafe areas of the internet.

Potential Legal Challenges and Legislative Perspectives

Senator Gex Williams, a key figure in adding the age verification requirement, remains confident in the bill's legality, suggesting it may withstand judicial scrutiny. He views the potential departure of sites like Pornhub as beneficial for the state’s youth.

The bill also allows for significant legal repercussions against non-compliant sites, including fines and lawsuits by impacted individuals or their parents. Meanwhile, industry groups like the Free Speech Coalition raise alarms about privacy risks and advocate for alternative methods that don't compromise user safety.

Williams believes this could be the prelude to a larger national conversation on internet regulation, hinting at possible Supreme Court involvement in the future. "I think the internet, in general, is ripe for another Supreme Court review," Williams stated.