The Web's Wild West: A Closer Look at Age Verification in Porn

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the online adult content community, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a bill that would have required residents to verify their age before accessing porn sites. The decision comes as no surprise, given the governor’s concerns about the intrusive nature of the proposed legislation and its potential impact on privacy and data security.

The bill in question, AB 105, aimed to impose a “reasonable” form of age verification on adult content websites, including asking users to provide government-issued identification. This is not an isolated incident; more than two dozen states have already passed similar laws, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Texas, and Virginia. As a result, popular adult entertainment platforms like Pornhub have been forced to block their sites in these locations.

The concerns raised by Evers are well-founded. Age verification measures can be invasive and potentially misused, raising questions about data security and the potential for personally identifiable information to fall into the wrong hands. The ACLU of Wisconsin also expressed reservations about the bill, citing concerns around privacy, surveillance, and the First Amendment.

Interestingly, an earlier version of the bill included a provision banning virtual private networks (VPNs), which have become popular tools for circumventing online age checks. While this provision was ultimately dropped in February, VPNs are increasingly coming under scrutiny from regulators worldwide. In light of Evers’ veto, it remains to be seen whether alternative age verification methods will gain traction.

The governor’s decision leaves the door open for other approaches, such as device-based methods that would verify a user’s age based on their phone or computer. This could potentially strike a balance between protecting minors and respecting adults’ privacy. As the web continues to evolve, it is essential to strike a delicate balance between these competing interests. The Wisconsin governor’s veto serves as a reminder of the need for thoughtful regulation in this space, rather than relying solely on blunt instruments like age verification.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/policy/907761/wisconsin-governor-porn-age-verification-vetoed