Why world's biggest adult video site, Pornhub, is exiting eight US states

Popular adult entertainment platform Pornhub is contemplating withdrawing its services from Florida following the enactment of a new law mandating age verification for users. The law, known as HB 3, echoes similar legislation in Texas, prompting Pornhub to block access in that state earlier this year.

HB 3 necessitates websites hosting pornography to authenticate user ages through methods such as government ID checks or third-party verification services. While acknowledging the importance of age verification, Pornhub contends that these specified systems encroach upon user privacy and curtail free speech rights concerning adult content.

Advocating for on-device age verification, Pornhub asserts that this method safeguards children without compromising user data. In Texas, instead of complying with the law, Pornhub chose to entirely block access for users with Texan IP addresses.


"Unfortunately, these laws are ineffective and harmful," stated Pornhub. "They don't protect children and stifle content creators' ability to share legal content."

Considering their prior actions and staunch opposition to such verification methods, experts anticipate that Pornhub will likely impose a ban on Florida users as well. This move aligns with similar bans in North Carolina, Montana, Utah, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Virginia.

Furthermore, Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, has extended these restrictions to its other platforms like Brazzers and YouPorn in these states.