Pornhub Blocked in Utah: Sex Worker Win or Net Neutrality Loss?
Utah residents are facing limited access to popular adult websites, such as Pornhub. This is due to a new age verification law that took effect on Wednesday, 3rd of May 2023. The law requires porn sites to verify users' ages to prevent access by individuals under 18. This has caused Pornhub and MindGeek (its parent company) to block IP addresses from Utah.
While proponents argue it's necessary to protect children, others see it as a potential violation of net neutrality. This article investigates the consequences of Utah's age verification law on the adult industry. It also examines Pornhub's response and what it means for sex workers and internet users.
Utah's Age Verification Law
Governor Spencer Cox signed Utah's S. B. 287 into law in March. It aims to hold pornographic websites accountable for making explicit content available to individuals under 18. Under the law, websites with adult content must verify users' ages before granting access to their platforms.
This requirement has caused a heated debate. Those who prioritize protecting minors are on one side. On the other side are those who worry about potential privacy and net neutrality violations.
Why Pornhub was Banned in Utah
Pornhub and other adult websites owned by MindGeek (such as Brazzers, YouPorn, and Redtube) have blocked access for Utah users. This is in response to Utah's age verification law. Instead of adult content, visitors from Utah are greeted with a message expressing opposition to the law.
Pornhub contends that the requirement for users to always provide personal identification before accessing the site is an ineffective approach. It also compromises user privacy.
Similar Laws and Regional Impact
Utah is not the first state to implement age verification laws for adult websites. Louisiana, for example, introduced a similar law earlier this year.
Louisiana has a digital ID system. Users can verify their age and access Pornhub with an official state ID. In contrast, Utah lacks such a system, making it challenging for residents to comply with the new law in this way.
Pornhub's Response and Protest
The website's message to Utah users is clear. They need a "real solution" for its more than 130 million daily visitors. Their official stance is that device-based verification should be used instead of requiring personal identification.
While some believe that Pornhub's blocking of visitors with Utah-based IP addresses is a protest, the company has not explicitly labeled it as such. The decision to block access to Utah users reflects the difficulty in complying with the law's requirements.
What People Are Doing to Get Around It
As a result of the recent ban, there has been a sharp increase in Google searches for VPN access in Utah. VPNs allow users to mask their IP addresses and bypass geographical restrictions. This response from Utah residents demonstrates their determination to access adult content despite the new regulations.
Implications and Perspectives
Utah's age verification law raises questions about the balance between protecting minors and upholding net neutrality principles. Proponents argue that protecting children from explicit content is essential. Opponents, however, are worried about the possibility of privacy infringement and censorship. The impact extends beyond Utah, as age verification laws and debates surrounding adult content regulation continue to arise in various states.
What It Means for Porn Viewers Everywhere
Utah's implementation of an age verification law sets a precedent for other states considering similar measures. The actions taken by Pornhub indicate the challenges faced by adult websites in complying with these regulations. A debate is ongoing between those who support child protection and those who support net neutrality and privacy. This debate will have a significant impact on how adults access online content and the regulations that are set up nationwide.
Final Thoughts
The blocking of Pornhub in Utah highlights the ongoing debate around age verification, sex work, and online safety. It raises concerns about privacy, the effectiveness of regulations, and the balance between protecting minors and preserving individual freedoms. Finding comprehensive solutions remains a complex challenge.