Pornhub Suspends Operations in France Due to Privacy Concerns Over Age Verification Law

Pornhub, the world’s most visited adult site, has ceased operations in France as of Wednesday in response to a national law mandating stricter age verification for pornographic websites. The decision was made by Aylo, the Canadian firm formerly known as Mindgeek, which also operates sites like YouPorn and RedTube. France is Pornhub’s second-largest market after the United States. Aylo argues that the legislation poses significant privacy risks, as it may require users to submit sensitive information like credit card or government ID details to prove their age.

Company executives stated they support age verification but prefer that it be handled at the device or operating system level, citing existing capabilities by tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. French authorities, including the minister for gender equality, Aurore Bergé, welcomed the decision, suggesting it would reduce harmful content exposure to minors.

This move is part of a broader trend, as Aylo has also pulled out from several U.S. states due to similar laws. The European Union and the UK are also increasing regulatory pressure on adult content providers, with the UK planning to enforce stringent age verification laws by July. Aylo has yet to confirm whether it will also withdraw from the UK when these laws come into effect.