A new law in Ohio requires a photo ID or other authentication to access pornography online. But Pornhub says the new rules don’t apply to its business
Pornhub blocked access in Texas
Pornhub, one of the most visited porn sites, announced it would disable its website in Texas following a recent court ruling.
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A new law in Ohio requires a photo ID or other authentication to access pornography online. However, Pornhub says the new rules do not apply to its business.
Mashable reports that Pornhub has not shut down in Ohio and has not enabled age verification as required by the new law that went into effect on September 30th.
Under Ohio law, organizations that sell or present material or performance that is “obscene or harmful to young people” must verify users’ ages with photo identification or other records, such as mortgage or employment data. Companies that do not comply risk facing litigation.
However, the law does not apply to “interactive computer services,” a broad term that the court ruled includes Google, Meta, and other web hosting platforms. Generally, these companies are not responsible for third-party content published on their sites.
Pornhub’s parent company Aylo told Mashable that the same exception applies to its business.
“We understand that we are not subject to any obligations under the (new Ohio law) regarding age verification requirements for the ‘interactive computer services’ we provide (such as Pornhub),” Airo said in a statement.
Republican lawmakers and groups like the Center for Christian Virtue supported the change.
“Parents need the power to protect their children’s innocence,” David Mahan of the Christian Virtue Center said in 2023. “This bill is another vital step in prioritizing the safety of children over the economic aspirations of a predatory industry.”
Pornhub has recently been blocked in more than 20 states and multiple countries, including France, due to age verification laws and other restrictions.
Reporter Chad Murphy contributed to this article.
State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@gannett.com or @jbalmert at X..
