In brief
The inquiry highlights the lack of age verification measures on prominent adult websites and increased scrutiny of online content regulations.
The European Commission is conducting a probe into Pornhub, Stripchat, and two other adult websites, including XVideos and XNXX, due to potential violations of EU online content regulations concerning child safety. The Commission expressed concerns regarding the absence of appropriate age verification measures necessary to prevent children from accessing adult material. In a statement, the Commission emphasized the need for online platforms to prioritize children’s rights and safety in their service design. Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, acknowledged the investigation and asserted its commitment to protecting minors online while complying with existing laws. The company expressed the hope for global advancements in regulations to enhance user safety and security.Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the four platforms lack effective measures to ensure the privacy and safety of minors. The Commission criticized the use of inadequate "click away" pop-ups, which merely ask users if they are over 18, as insufficient for age verification. They also pointed out the absence of risk assessments aimed at mitigating any adverse effects on children's rights and well-being.The scrutiny comes as global regulators increasingly target online pornography services lacking proper age verification systems. Recently, the UK's Ofcom initiated investigations against porn sites that appeared to offer no age verification mechanisms. Pornhub, recognized as the most visited adult website globally and ranked 19th in overall web traffic, is facing mounting pressure from regulators. The site has blocked access in 16 US states requiring user age verification and advocates for device-based verification to simplify the process for regulators while protecting user privacy.The platforms under investigation were classified as "very large online platforms" (VLOP) under the EU's 2023 Digital Services Act, which imposes stringent requirements to address harmful and illegal content. Should violations of the Act be confirmed, the platforms risk penalties of up to 6% of their annual revenue. While Stripchat will no longer hold VLOP status, its compliance with the digital content regulations is still under review. The EU emphasizes that even smaller platforms must comply with regulations aimed at protecting children online. Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to ensuring minors can navigate the internet safely through coordinated actions among member states.
