Pornhub has officially announced that it will be pulling out of Florida, blocking access for millions of users across the state starting January 1, 2025. The move comes in response to a new state law that mandates strict age verification for online adult content.
In a statement released today, the popular adult entertainment platform cited concerns about the law’s requirements, which it argues are difficult to implement and could infringe on user privacy. Under the new law, all adult websites operating in Florida must ensure that visitors are of legal age to view explicit content. This includes implementing a system to verify the identity of users, a measure that many industry players argue could lead to unintended consequences for privacy and freedom of expression.
“Unfortunately, the new age verification law, effective January 1, 2025, presents significant challenges that we cannot overcome in a way that would protect the privacy and security of our users,” said a Pornhub spokesperson. “As a result, we are regrettably suspending access to our platform for users in Florida.”
The decision is expected to affect millions of Floridians, many of whom will lose access to the platform and similar websites. Advocates for privacy and free speech have criticized the law, calling it a step too far in government regulation of the internet. On the other hand, supporters of the law argue that it is a necessary step to protect minors from accessing adult content online.
As the deadline approaches, it remains unclear whether Pornhub’s decision will prompt similar actions from other adult websites or if legal challenges will alter the course of the law. For now, users in Florida will need to find alternative ways to access adult content or adapt to the new verification requirements set to go into effect in just over a year.
