In a significant move to enhance online safety for minors, the European Commission is investigating four major pornographic websites—including Pornhub and Stripchat—over their alleged lack of effective age verification methods and other measures to protect children from adult content.
EU Launches Inquiry into Adult Sites Over Child Safety Compliance
EU Launches Inquiry into Adult Sites Over Child Safety Compliance
The European Commission initiates investigations into adult content platforms including Pornhub and Stripchat for failing to implement adequate child safety measures.
The European Commission has launched an investigation into popular adult content platforms, including Pornhub and Stripchat, due to concerns regarding child safety and compliance with online content regulations. Joining these sites in scrutiny are XVideos and XNXX, as the EU asserts that the platforms lack necessary measures to safeguard minors.
Authorities cite a notable absence of "appropriate" age verification protocols, which should prevent underage users from accessing explicit material. "Online platforms must ensure that the rights and best interests of children are central to the design and functioning of their services," stated the EU Commission.
Initial inquiry findings indicate that these adult sites have not implemented "appropriate and proportionate measures" to ensure privacy, security, and safety for minors. Specifically, the current "click away" pop-ups asking users to confirm their age may not be sufficient as a verification method. In addition, the commission highlighted the need for risk assessments concerning the potential negative impacts of adult content on children's mental and physical well-being.
This investigation is part of a broader global movement to regulate online pornography, particularly emphasizing the necessity of robust age verification to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content. The UK's Ofcom recently announced similar investigations into pornographic websites lacking age verification systems.
Pornhub stands as the most visited adult site globally, ranking 19th among all websites, but faces mounting regulatory scrutiny. Following laws in 16 U.S. states that mandate user age verification, Pornhub has blocked access in those regions and advocates for verification methods at the device level rather than individual websites.
Under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), designated very large online platforms, including those investigated, face stringent regulations to combat harmful materials. Possible consequences for non-compliance include fines up to 6% of annual turnover if violations are confirmed. Despite Stripchat's recent reclassification as a non-VLOP, investigations into its compliance with digital content rules will continue.
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's executive vice-president for tech sovereignty and safety, emphasized the priority of protecting minors in the digital environment, committing to coordinated actions across member states to enforce safety regulations for all online platforms.
