AP News reports that Denmark’s government has announced plans to ban social media access for anyone under 15, aiming to protect children from harmful online content and commercial interests. This move, which would be among the most restrictive in the EU, would allow some parents to grant access from age 13 after a specific assessment, but enforcement methods remain unclear. Minister for Digital Affairs Caroline Stage cited the high percentage of young children with social media profiles and the risks they face as driving forces behind the legislation. Denmark’s government plans to introduce an age-verification app, allowing them to ensure tech platforms comply with age restrictions, or face potential fines.
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Denmark announced a plan to implement a social media ban for children under 15, though the specific platforms and implementation details remain unclear. The bill would allow parental consent for social media use starting at age 13. This initiative follows Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s, and the EU’s proposal for an “age of digital adulthood.”
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Bluesky blocks access in Mississippi, citing free speech and privacy concerns over age verification law, and this is where we start, right at the heart of the matter. It seems Bluesky, a social media platform, has decided to shut off access to its services for users in Mississippi. Their reasoning? They’re taking a stand against a new state law mandating age verification for online platforms. The core of Bluesky’s argument revolves around two major concerns: the potential violation of free speech and the significant privacy implications of the age verification requirements. It’s a bold move, signaling a commitment to these principles, and it’s already sparking quite the conversation.… Continue reading
Following the implementation of new UK online safety rules, major adult content websites like Pornhub and XVideos experienced a significant 47% drop in traffic, with OnlyFans also seeing a decline. Data suggests that while compliant sites saw a decrease, less regulated pornography sites experienced an increase in visits. The new rules, enforced by Ofcom, require age verification methods such as credit card checks and photo ID matching. Consequently, VPN app downloads surged, potentially enabling users to bypass these restrictions and access content from different locations.
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YouTube is introducing a new age-verification system in the U.S., utilizing AI to determine viewers’ ages based on their viewing history. The system, which will initially affect a small portion of users, will impose age-appropriate restrictions if a viewer is identified as under 18, including limiting ad personalization and implementing content restrictions. Users can correct any misidentification through various verification methods. This initiative aims to enhance safety, following legal and political pressure to better protect minors online.
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The Supreme Court has sided with Texas in the case of *Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton*, upholding a law requiring age verification for adult websites. The court ruled that the First Amendment does not protect the right of adults to access content deemed obscene for minors without first providing proof of age, opening the door for similar age-gating measures nationwide. This decision, reached with a 6-3 majority, effectively revisits a 2004 ruling and attributes the change to advances in technology. The ruling highlights the absence of a strict scrutiny standard for age verification, potentially affecting privacy.
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The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Texas law that mandates age verification, through government ID or face scan, for users accessing pornography websites. This 6-3 decision, along ideological lines, reinforces the state’s authority to prevent minors from accessing sexually explicit content. The law was challenged by adult entertainment sites who argued it violated free speech rights and could potentially impede adult access. Texas defended the law by referencing legal precedent regarding the protection of minors, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, security, and potential content restrictions.
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The European Commission launched an investigation into Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) for insufficient age verification measures. The Commission alleges the platforms’ one-click self-declarations are ineffective in preventing minors from accessing adult content. Potential penalties include fines up to 6% of global annual turnover if the platforms fail to implement effective age verification. While Stripchat’s designation as a “very large online platform” was revoked, the investigation into its age verification practices continues. The Commission emphasized its commitment to swift action depending on the platforms’ response.
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Under the Online Safety Act, all UK websites hosting pornographic content, including social media platforms, must implement robust age verification by July. This Ofcom mandate, prompted by research showing widespread underage exposure to online pornography, requires methods like photo ID or credit card checks. While some support the move as essential for safer online spaces, concerns remain that stricter verification will drive users to unregulated, potentially more harmful, online areas. The new rules also affect sites using AI to generate pornography, requiring immediate implementation of age checks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood