Digital Services Act: EC targets websites with adult content
The European Commission is awaiting information from major adult video content platforms regarding user safety and the legality of the content they publish. Under the new legislation, the EU has gained increased authority to regulate digital giants.
The European Commission has requested detailed information from the world's three largest online pornography sites regarding the steps they have taken to improve protection for minors from accessing their content and to prevent gender-based violence, according to AP. These companies are required to submit the information by 4 July, or they may face significant fines.
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European Commission targets pornography websites
The European Union’s executive branch has taken action against Pornhub, XVideos, and Stripchat as part of the pioneering Digital Services Act (DSA), in force since 2022 and often referred to as the 'constitution of the internet'. This EU legislation imposes strict requirements on digital service providers to ensure user safety online.
"The Commission is requesting the companies to provide more detailed information on the measures they have taken to diligently assess and mitigate risks related to the protection of minors online, as well as to prevent the amplification of illegal content and gender-based violence," the EC announced on 13 June.
Pornhub, XVideos and Stripchat have been recognised as "very large online platforms", as they each have an average of 45 million users monthly. As such, they are subject to the most stringent controls under the DSA.
Pornhub attempted to challenge its status as a 'very large platform' under the DSA by citing its average of 33 million monthly users on its website. However, the EC was not convinced.
EU wants to know how minors and victims of gender-based violence are protected
The EU wants to know what safeguards have been implemented to ensure that viewers are not underage. On most pornography websites, a simple click on the 'yes' box is enough to confirm that the user is over 18.
Research clearly shows that pornography has a harmful effect on the psychosexual development of the youngest. Methods for effective age verification can include checking credit cards, identity documents or face scans to estimate age.
European digital law also mandates measures to reduce the risk of spreading illegal content. This includes child sexual abuse material or content that violates 'fundamental rights' such as privacy, like content published without consent or AI-created videos and deepfake images.
Source: apnews.com
