Louisiana passed a law that requires websites hosting adult content to require verification of the user’s age before they can access the content. This verification is done by providing a special digitized identity card, which is a more stringent requirement than simply clicking a button to confirm age.
The main aim of this bill is to protect minors from accessing harmful content online. Websites that are considered to have a “significant part” of their content as “harmful to minors,” including content that shows genital organs and copulation, will be required to ask for user ID.
Other states are also considering similar legislation. Seven states have already called for the adoption of the same law in their territory, showing the concern of the public towards protecting children from accessing harmful content.
One of the world’s largest adult content websites, PornHub, has already started implementing age verification for users with Louisiana IP addresses. Residents of other regions of the United States will also be required to verify their age before accessing the website.
While the bill is aimed at protecting minors from accessing harmful content, it raises concerns about privacy and anonymity on the internet. If user passport data is stored in a database, there is a risk of a data leak caused by hacker attacks, which could lead to reputational damage for users.
The potential harm from the bill is minimal compared to the benefits of protecting minors from accessing harmful content. The bill’s main sponsor, Republican Senator Tyler Deese, says that he was inspired by many voters in his district who are concerned about the growing problem of pornography.
The bill is an important step towards protecting minors from accessing harmful content, but it raises concerns about privacy and anonymity on the internet. The potential harm from the bill is minimal compared to the benefits of protecting minors from accessing harmful content. However, there is still a need for a comprehensive solution that will protect children while preserving their privacy and anonymity on the internet.
It remains to be seen whether the bill will be adopted in the other states or if it will be limited to Louisiana.