France has passed a new law requiring adult websites to check users’ ages before allowing access to pornographic content.
From 11 April, sites like PornHub and YouPorn must block anyone who cannot prove their age using official documents, facial recognition, or other secure methods. The same rules will apply to European-based sites from 7 June.
The aim is to protect minors from exposure to explicit material. However, privacy groups have raised concerns about how personal data might be used or stored.
To address these fears, France’s media watchdog ARCOM is implementing a method called “double anonymity.” This allows age checks without revealing the user’s identity.
A spokesperson from ARCOM said the approach aims to “safeguard children and respect the privacy of adults.”
Despite this, Aylo—the owner of PornHub, YouPorn, and RedTube—is challenging the new law in court. The company says it raises legal and technical concerns.
Some users may still find ways around the checks, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs) to hide their location.
France’s move comes after similar action in the UK, where regulators have introduced strict new age-verification rules.
Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, adult sites must apply “robust” age checks by July. Platforms like OnlyFans and content aggregators are included.
Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, said it is important to protect children while also ensuring legal access for adults.
Surveys show that 80 per cent of UK adults support these online age restrictions.
