Adult websites enhance safety measures for minors

Recent changes at major porn sites aim to protect minors from illegal content.

Adult websites improve safety for minors amidst scrutiny

Adult websites such as Pornhub and YouPorn are taking significant measures to improve the safety of their platforms in response to heightened public and political pressure. Five years ago, a New York Times article highlighted the presence of illegal content, including videos featuring minors and non-consensual uploads, on these sites. Since then, the companies have implemented new policies, including stricter verification processes for uploaded content and enhanced monitoring to prevent illegal material from being shared. For example, after losing payment support from major credit card companies in 2020, Pornhub removed millions of videos that could not verify consent. In 2023, after undergoing changes in ownership, further measures were introduced, such as banned search terms related to minors and the hiring of content moderators. However, ongoing scrutiny from governments and advocacy groups continues as these platforms still face backlash over their approach to content moderation.

The changes at Pornhub and other major adult sites reflect a growing recognition of the importance of addressing the issue of underage and non-consensual content. With increasing scrutiny from both the public and regulatory bodies, these platforms are striving to create safer environments. While progress has been made, especially in content regulation, the cultural and political landscape surrounding pornography remains contentious. Advocates for policy reforms emphasize the need for further action to protect minors, raising questions about the balance between personal freedom and the responsibility of platforms to regulate content effectively.

Highlights

Ongoing scrutiny may lead to further regulatory changes in the adult entertainment industry.