Recent legislative actions across 19 U.S. states have introduced stringent restrictions on adult platforms such as Pornhub, Sniffies, and JustForFans, deeply impacting LGBTQ+ creators and their livelihoods. These measures, framed as protective laws, demand invasive age-verification processes, igniting concerns over privacy, freedom of expression, and economic stability within queer communities.
Nineteen states have implemented similar laws requiring users to complete age-verification processes to access adult film websites. Platforms like Sniffies have taken proactive measures to comply. These states include:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
Although Tennessee initially blocked such a law, recent rulings have allowed the state to enforce these age-verification requirements on adult websites, according to AP News.
The affected states, including Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, are enforcing regulations that require users to upload government IDs and undergo real-time facial recognition to access adult platforms. For many LGBTQ+ content creators, these platforms are more than a source of income—they are spaces for self-expression and community building. However, these laws could drive creators to less regulated platforms, increasing exposure to unmoderated content and potential exploitation.
Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, emphasized the unintended consequences of these laws. A spokesperson noted that compliance in states like Louisiana led to an 80% drop in traffic, pushing users to “darker corners of the internet.” LGBTQ+ creators face the dual challenge of reduced audience reach and the constant threat of data misuse, compromising both their safety and financial stability.
Platforms like Sniffies have responded proactively, implementing enhanced ID checks and safety measures. While these efforts aim to comply with regulations, critics argue that they fail to address the root concerns. As Dominic Ford, founder of JustForFans, pointed out, “These laws disguise themselves as child-protection measures but aim to dismantle adult platforms entirely.”
The LGBTQ+ community, which disproportionately relies on these platforms for livelihood and representation, faces heightened vulnerability under these laws. The push for alternative solutions, such as device-based parental controls, reflects a broader debate on balancing safety with rights and freedoms. However, without robust safeguards for creators and users, these restrictions risk erasing vital spaces for queer visibility and empowerment.