Pornhub says it won't shut down in Ohio over new age-verification law

Pornhub says it won't shut down in Ohio over new age-verification law

A new Ohio law requires a photo ID or other verification to access porn online. But Pornhub says the new rules don't apply to its business

Portrait of Jessie BalmertJessie Balmert

Columbus Dispatch

A new Ohio law requires a photo ID or other verification to access porn online. But Pornhub says the new rules don't apply to its business.

Pornhub hasn't shut down in Ohio or enabled the age verification required by the law, which took effect Sept. 30, Mashable reported.

Under Ohio law, organizations that sell or present materials or performances "obscene or harmful to juveniles" must check users' ages with a photo ID or other records, such as mortgage or employment data. Companies that fail to comply risk a lawsuit.

Signs are displayed at the Pornhub booth at the 2024 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo at Resorts World Las Vegas on January 25, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

But the law doesn't apply to "interactive computer services," a broad term that courts have ruled includes Google, Meta and other web hosting platforms. Generally, these companies aren't liable for third-party content published on their sites.

Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, told Mashable the same exception applies to its business.

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"It is our understanding that we are not subject to the obligations under (the new Ohio law) regarding mandated age verification for the 'interactive computer services' we provide, such as Pornhub," Aylo said in a statement.

Republican lawmakers and groups like the Center for Christian Virtue championed the change.