In a bid to protect minors online, the EU is investigating major adult content platforms, including Pornhub, Stripchat, XVideos, and XNXX, which allegedly lack sufficient age verification and safety protocols.
**EU Launches Investigation into Major Pornographic Sites for Child Safety Violations**
**EU Launches Investigation into Major Pornographic Sites for Child Safety Violations**
The European Commission is scrutinizing Pornhub and three other websites over inadequate child protection measures.
The European Commission has initiated a probe into Pornhub, Stripchat, and two other popular adult websites based on concerns regarding their compliance with EU regulations aimed at safeguarding children online. Specifically, these sites are accused of not implementing effective age verification systems to prevent minors from accessing adult material.
The Commission emphasized that online platforms must prioritize the rights and safety of children in the design and functionality of their services. In response to the investigation, Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, stated its commitment to online safety for minors, insisting on compliance with legal standards while advocating for enhanced global protections.
Preliminary findings suggest that the sites have failed to establish adequate measures to ensure the privacy and well-being of younger users. Currently employed strategies, such as "click away" pop-ups asking users their age, are deemed insufficient by regulators. The Commission also noted that these platforms have not conducted necessary risk assessments regarding the negative implications on children’s rights or their mental and physical health.
This investigation aligns with a broader global trend of tightening regulations on online pornography, with various authorities examining whether sites properly verify the ages of their users. For instance, the UK's Ofcom has pointed out gaps in age verification on certain adult sites earlier this year.
While Pornhub is recognized as the leading adult website globally, it has faced increasing pressures from regulators, having already restricted access in 16 US states due to new laws requiring age verification procedures. The company argues that such verifications should ideally occur on users' devices to foster user privacy while simplifying regulatory oversight.
Designated as very large online platforms (VLOPs) under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), these companies face elevated responsibilities regarding harmful material. Should investigations confirm violations, they risk penalties of up to 6% of their annual revenue. Notably, the Commission has decided to revoke Stripchat’s VLOP status but will continue to probe its compliance with digital content laws.
Efforts to refine age protection measures online extend to smaller platforms as well, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to ensuring minors can navigate the internet safely. Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice-president, highlighted the importance of safeguarding young users amidst growing digital content accessibility.
The Commission emphasized that online platforms must prioritize the rights and safety of children in the design and functionality of their services. In response to the investigation, Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, stated its commitment to online safety for minors, insisting on compliance with legal standards while advocating for enhanced global protections.
Preliminary findings suggest that the sites have failed to establish adequate measures to ensure the privacy and well-being of younger users. Currently employed strategies, such as "click away" pop-ups asking users their age, are deemed insufficient by regulators. The Commission also noted that these platforms have not conducted necessary risk assessments regarding the negative implications on children’s rights or their mental and physical health.
This investigation aligns with a broader global trend of tightening regulations on online pornography, with various authorities examining whether sites properly verify the ages of their users. For instance, the UK's Ofcom has pointed out gaps in age verification on certain adult sites earlier this year.
While Pornhub is recognized as the leading adult website globally, it has faced increasing pressures from regulators, having already restricted access in 16 US states due to new laws requiring age verification procedures. The company argues that such verifications should ideally occur on users' devices to foster user privacy while simplifying regulatory oversight.
Designated as very large online platforms (VLOPs) under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), these companies face elevated responsibilities regarding harmful material. Should investigations confirm violations, they risk penalties of up to 6% of their annual revenue. Notably, the Commission has decided to revoke Stripchat’s VLOP status but will continue to probe its compliance with digital content laws.
Efforts to refine age protection measures online extend to smaller platforms as well, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to ensuring minors can navigate the internet safely. Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice-president, highlighted the importance of safeguarding young users amidst growing digital content accessibility.
