Aylo Blocks Access to Adult Platforms in France Over Controversial Age Verification Law
Aylo, the parent company of prominent adult sites such as Pornhub, RedTube, and YouTube, has taken a definitive stance by blocking access to its platforms in France. This decision is a direct protest against a newly instated French legislation that mandates adult websites to implement age verification procedures to protect minors from inappropriate content.
The so-called SREN law, enacted in 2023, requires adult content platforms to ensure that users are at least 18 years old by implementing verifiable age checks by a set deadline. As per reports, Aylo announced on Tuesday that it would cease operations in France starting Wednesday, stating that it views the government’s measures as ineffective, potentially harmful, and a violation of personal privacy.
Solomon Friedman, a spokesperson for Ethical Capital Partners (the parent company of Aylo), shared that the company's choice reflects its commitment to upholding its values and communicating openly with the French populace regarding the repercussions of the government’s regulations. Aylo plans to utilize its platforms to convey messages directly to their users in France about the implications of the law.
The French government stands firm on its stance towards this legislation, with Aurore Bergé, the Minister for Gender Equality, responding to Aylo’s announcement on social media. She suggested that the blocking of these platforms would lead to a decrease in the availability of violent, degrading, and humiliating content to minors in France. Furthermore, Clara Chappaz, the Junior Minister for AI and Digital Technology, remarked that if Aylo prefers to withdraw from France rather than comply with local laws, it has the freedom to do so.
Amid these developments, the European Commission has also begun investigations into several major adult websites, including Pornhub and XNXX, over alleged violations of the EU’s Digital Safety Act, which includes stricter rules on child protection. The company has expressed its awareness of these investigations, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to ensuring the online safety of children.
The situation highlights a broader tension between internet platforms and governmental efforts to impose regulations aimed at protecting minor users while balancing the rights and privacy of adults. As the topic of online content regulation continues to evolve, Aylo’s actions may serve as a catalyst for further discussions surrounding the responsibilities of adult content providers in the digital age.
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