Missouri’s age-verification law is set to take effect this weekend, which means web users in the state will lose easy access to Pornhub and other adult sites.
Effective Nov, 30, the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) will require platforms that host sexually explicit content to prevent minors from accessing them. Covered websites must use a commercially available tool that verifies age using government IDs or another reasonable method. Failure to implement these safeguards will result in penalties up to $10,000 per day.
“We are holding powerful corporations accountable, respecting women and victims of human trafficking, and helping ensure that minors are shielded from dangerous, sexually explicit material,” Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said in September.
Missouri joins a long list of states with age-verification laws. Supporters say they’re intended to keep kids away from porn. Detractors, like Pornhub parent company Aylo, say that age verification should be handled on the device level.
In 23 states with age-verification laws, Aylo has responded by blocking its adult sites, which also includes YouPorn, RedTube, and Brazzers. Missouri is on that list.
Aylo argues that device-level age checks are better than requiring personal information on a site-by-site basis, which could open people up to having their personal information exposed. However, in July, the Supreme Court sided with the states in a lawsuit over Texas’ age-verification law, leaving Aylo with a big decision on its hands.
For now, it seems like the bans are still on. Last week, it sent letters to Apple, Google, and Microsoft to say it would be more appropriate if they handled age verification.
Recommended by Our Editors
In the UK, however, Aylo said it would roll out “methods recognized by regulators as being capable of highly effective age assurance” to comply with the Online Safety Act (OSA). However, it reiterated that “effectiveness has been alarmingly limited, leaving the UK’s children, as well as sensitive user information, at risk. It is characteristically impossible to enforce these regulations at scale in the digital space.”
Adults who do get blocked can always use a VPN to get around the restrictions.
Get Our Best Stories!
Stay Safe With the Latest Security News and Updates
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy
Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
About Our Expert
Experience
Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.
Read Full Bio
