Pornhub, the popular pornographic content site, now requires permission documentation from video subjects to protect performers.
The Pornhub policy update, which takes effect beginning Jan. 23, requires performers to provide signed release papers when adding co-performers to model accounts. Given the platform's history of explicit content concerns, including sexual assault and human trafficking, this policy amendment aims to make content producers and community members safer, as reported by Gizmodo.
Pornhub and its parent company, Aylo, have faced criticism over the years, prompting major credit card companies to withdraw payment services. In response, Pornhub implemented extensive content purges and policy improvements.
The latest change underscores the platform's commitment to performer protection, especially as internet pornography encounters heightened scrutiny in several states. Recent age verification laws in Montana and North Carolina led to restricted access to Pornhub, emphasizing the negative impact of pornography on minors.
Sex Trafficking Charges
The recent policy update by Pornhub supplements the existing array of safeguards for its performers, encompassing procedures such as ID verification, facial recognition scanning, and the utilization of release forms. Over the past four years, the platform has significantly transformed its reputation and emerged as a frontrunner in prioritizing safety measures for individuals engaged in the adult entertainment industry.
In December, Aylo, the owner of Pornhub, acknowledged profiting from sex trafficking and agreed to substantial payments under a deferred prosecution agreement. Aylo will pay over $1.8 million to the US government and make separate payments to women affected by nonconsensual video postings. The agreement includes an independent monitor for three years, addressing charges of unlawful monetary transactions involving sex trafficking proceeds.
The charge is linked to Aylo hosting videos and accepting payments from GirlsDoPorn, whose operators faced convictions for sex trafficking crimes. Aylo received funds from GirlsDoPorn between 2017 and 2020, and the company's delayed response to removing nonconsensual videos drew criticism.
EU Imposes Stricter Regulations on Adult Websites
The Pornhub policy update comes after the European Union extended its stringent regulations to major adult content platforms, designating Pornhub, Stripchat, and XVideos as "very large online platforms" (VLOPs) under the Digital Services Act. Subjecting these platforms to rigorous standards concerning age verification, content moderation, and transparency, the decision follows an investigation revealing over 45 million average monthly users on each platform in the EU.
According to a CNN report, the platforms must comply with VLOP-specific rules and general obligations for all online platforms within four months. European Commissioner Thierry Breton emphasized the commitment to creating a safer online environment for children, aligning with the EU's dedication to stringent regulations and protection measures for online platforms.
The European Commission is requiring the specified sites to implement age verification tools to restrict minors' access to their content. They must also promptly notify law enforcement authorities if they detect or suspect any criminal offense that poses a threat to an individual's life or safety, including cases of child sexual abuse.
To ensure adherence to the new law enacted in August, Pornhub, Stripchat, and XVideos are mandated to undergo external audits assessing their compliance with all outlined obligations. The commission also requires these platforms to provide six-month transparency reports on risk management and content control.
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