The issue of age verification for accessing adult content on websites has been a topic of debate for some time now. Recently, the state of Utah passed a law requiring that anyone visiting an adult website in Utah be required to verify their age by submitting government issued ID. MindGeek, the parent company of some of the most popular adult websites (including PornHub, Brazzers, RedTube, YouPorn, and Reality Kings) has issued a statement where they expressed concerns over the new legislation and have called for a “device-based verification solution” instead. More information, including the full statement from MindGeek, can he found here.
However there is little clarity on what they mean by “device-based verification solution”. The lack of a clear definition makes it difficult for legislators to understand what the company is proposing and how it would work in practice. If the lawmakers do not understand what is meant by device-based verification, it could lead to poorly written laws, which can be dangerous and have unintended consequences.
Moreover, even if device-based verification is introduced, there is no guarantee that it will be effective in preventing minors from accessing adult content. For example, many people share their devices with family members, friends, or coworkers and it’s not uncommon for parents to hand their phone to their children. In such cases, device-based verification would not be an accurate way of verifying the user’s age. Additionally, there is also the issue of privacy and security, which can arise from identifying users by their device, potentially making it easier to track them and build a profile on their personal habits, preferences, etc.
Legislators should consider promoting the use of parental controls to prevent minors from accessing adult content online. It is a more effective solution that puts the responsibility of monitoring and controlling children’s online activities on parents. They should use the parental controls provided by their devices, internet service providers, or third-party applications to restrict access to adult websites. This approach would not only be more effective but would also respect users’ privacy and security far better than mandatory identification laws.
In conclusion, the issue of age verification for adult websites is complex, and it requires a careful and thoughtful approach. Instead of relying solely on government action, parents can take steps to ensure that their children are safe online. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of parents to educate and monitor their children’s online activities and ensure they do not access inappropriate content.
