Brussels targets websites like Pornhub for failing to protect minors

BrusselsBrussels' new offensive for the protection of minors on the internet. The European Commission announced this Tuesday that it has opened an investigation into pornography websites. Pornhub, XVideos, Stripchat and XNXX for not having sufficient protection tools for minors, especially for not guaranteeing adequate verification of the age of Internet users who want to access these platforms. "The internet must be a safe space for children. Our priority is to protect minors and ensure they can browse safely," said the European Commissioner for Security and Technological Sovereignty, Henna Virkkunen.

Specifically, after a preliminary investigation, the EU executive has indications that these websites are violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). Beyond the age verifiers, which it considers ineffective, Brussels assures that they lack "mitigation measures against any negative effects" that the content of these portals may have on minors, as they can affect the mental and physical well-being of users in general.

This investigation comes after the European Commission approved a measure to tighten the restrictions on pornographic websites in March of last year. Since then, the EU executive has required these portals to provide their users with the opportunity to report illegal content and to inform the complainant whether or not the content in question will be removed. Furthermore, websites must provide the opportunity to appeal the decision, especially if the website deems it appropriate not to delete it.

Along the same lines, the websites in question will have to guarantee that users are not manipulated and that they are not shown one type of advertising or another based on their ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or political opinions. And, under no circumstances, may advertising be directed at a minor audience.

In parallel, some European Union member states are increasing pressure to create a digital majority age and age of access to social networks such as Instagram, Facebook, X, or TikTok. In this regard, France, Greece, and Spain are urging Brussels to promote community regulations that, among other things, require all electronic devices marketed in the EU and capable of connecting to the internet—and, therefore, having access to social networks—to have parental verification. The objective, in line with the European Commission, is to increase the protection of minors.