Starting Wednesday, France experiences a “porn outage” as prominent adult content websites like Pornhub, RedTube, and YouPorn suspend their services in protest. The controversial law mandates age verification systems to prevent minors' access, requiring users to provide a photo or ID. These platforms, operated by Aylo based in Cyprus, have deemed the requirement “disproportionate, irresponsible, and ineffective”, highlighting concerns over privacy intrusion.

Visitors to these sites are now greeted with the iconic painting “Liberty Leading the People” by Eugène Delacroix, accompanied by the message: “Freedom doesn’t have an off button.” Aylo criticizes the French government for endangering consumer rights with unreliable verification methods.

The challenge of filtering adult content access is significant for both companies and governments worldwide. While the aim is to protect minors, ensuring user privacy and preventing data exposure to third-party apps remains critical.

The French legislation demands more effective measures than merely asking users if they're of legal age. The requirement for identification was enforced in March, with a deadline set for Friday. This law extends beyond adult content, impacting gambling sites as well.

France's audiovisual regulator, Arcom, holds the authority to sanction or block non-compliant websites. Statistics reveal over two million minors frequent adult platforms in France, with a third of adolescents aged 12 to 17 visiting Pornhub monthly.

France ranks as Pornhub's second-largest market with seven million users, offering free access unlike subscription-based sites. Aylo asserts that age verification should fall to tech giants like Google and Apple via devices.

French Digital Affairs Minister, Clara Chappaz, defends the law, arguing it ensures privacy through double anonymity. She criticizes Aylo for avoiding compliance, stating, “Adults have the freedom to consume pornography without harming minors. Protecting our children is paramount.”

Safeguarding minors from excessive digital exposure is a governmental priority. Chappaz recently proposed an EU coalition to ban social media access for under-15s, citing issues like eating disorders and bullying.

France, alongside Spain, Denmark, Italy, and Greece, strives to implement control systems. Spain's government suggested the Digital Wallet Beta, requiring credentials for accessing adult content.

Weeks ago, the European Commission launched an investigation into major adult content platforms, including Pornhub, for failing to adopt adequate measures ensuring privacy and minor protection.