The EU has opened an investigation into major pornography sites, including Pornhub and Stripchat, over concerns that they are not adequately safeguarding children from adult content.
EU Launches Investigation into Adult Websites for Child Safety Compliance
EU Launches Investigation into Adult Websites for Child Safety Compliance
The European Commission scrutinizes Pornhub, Stripchat, and others for failing to protect minors online.
In response to rising concerns regarding child safety on digital platforms, the European Commission is examining whether Pornhub, Stripchat, XVideos, and XNXX comply with laws designed to protect minors online. Officials allege that these sites lack necessary safeguards, specifically appropriate age verification methods that prevent children from accessing explicit material. The Commission insists that online services must prioritize children's rights and safety in their design and operations.
Initial findings revealed that the four platforms have failed to implement adequate measures to protect minors, including effective age verification tools. A Commission representative criticized the common "click away" prompts that ask users if they are over 18, stating that these methods are insufficient. Furthermore, the platforms are reportedly not conducting necessary risk assessments regarding potential negative effects on children's rights and their overall well-being.
This action from the EU comes alongside intensified international scrutiny of online pornography services. The UK's Ofcom has initiated its own investigations into platforms that lack adequate age verification procedures. Recently, Pornhub has also faced challenges in the U.S., limiting access in states that enforce strict age verification laws.
In light of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), these companies, classified as very large online platforms, are under increased pressure to eliminate harmful content. If non-compliance with DSA regulations is confirmed, these sites could face severe penalties, including fines of up to 6% of their annual revenue. Notably, while Stripchat has been reclassified and will no longer be deemed a VLOP, the EU will still investigate its compliance with relevant laws.
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's vice-president, emphasized the bloc's commitment to protecting minors online. The initiative aims to ensure that children can safely navigate the internet, and coordinated actions by EU member states will focus on enforcing these protections for smaller platforms as well.
As the investigation unfolds, the future regulation of adult content online may shift significantly, with a firmer stance on the matter across Europe and potentially worldwide.
Initial findings revealed that the four platforms have failed to implement adequate measures to protect minors, including effective age verification tools. A Commission representative criticized the common "click away" prompts that ask users if they are over 18, stating that these methods are insufficient. Furthermore, the platforms are reportedly not conducting necessary risk assessments regarding potential negative effects on children's rights and their overall well-being.
This action from the EU comes alongside intensified international scrutiny of online pornography services. The UK's Ofcom has initiated its own investigations into platforms that lack adequate age verification procedures. Recently, Pornhub has also faced challenges in the U.S., limiting access in states that enforce strict age verification laws.
In light of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), these companies, classified as very large online platforms, are under increased pressure to eliminate harmful content. If non-compliance with DSA regulations is confirmed, these sites could face severe penalties, including fines of up to 6% of their annual revenue. Notably, while Stripchat has been reclassified and will no longer be deemed a VLOP, the EU will still investigate its compliance with relevant laws.
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's vice-president, emphasized the bloc's commitment to protecting minors online. The initiative aims to ensure that children can safely navigate the internet, and coordinated actions by EU member states will focus on enforcing these protections for smaller platforms as well.
As the investigation unfolds, the future regulation of adult content online may shift significantly, with a firmer stance on the matter across Europe and potentially worldwide.
