Pornhub has started restricting Australian users from accessing explicit content as new federal age verification rules come into force, sparking debate about online safety, privacy and the possible impact on LGBTQIA+ communities.
The changes came just days before strict new digital safety codes overseen by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner took effect on March 9.
Under the new requirements, adult websites operating in Australia must introduce stronger systems to verify that users are over the age of 18.
Adult Platforms Begin Limiting Access
Canadian tech company Aylo — which operates Pornhub as well as RedTube, YouPorn and Tube8, began limiting access for Australian users in protest of the new regulations.
The company reportedly stopped Australians from creating new accounts on several of its platforms.
Visitors accessing RedTube, YouPorn and Tube8 from Australian IP addresses are now greeted with notices stating the sites are “not currently accepting new account registrations in your region”.
Pornhub itself remains partially accessible for Australian users, though explicit videos are currently restricted, and only non-explicit content can be viewed.
New Online Safety Rules
The changes form part of phase two of Australia’s Online Safety Codes, introduced by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
Under the rules, platforms hosting pornography or other age-restricted material must implement systems capable of verifying users’ ages. These methods may include facial age estimation, digital identity wallets or photo identification.
Companies that fail to comply with the regulations could face penalties of up to $49.5 million per breach.
Industry Raises Privacy Concerns
Aylo has criticised the Australian policy, warning that strict verification requirements could have unintended consequences.
“Aylo’s video sharing platforms will be restricting access to adult material before the deadline on March 9th,” a company spokesperson said.
“Australia is following a similar approach to the UK, which all our evidence shows does not effectively protect minors, and instead creates harms relating to data privacy and exposure to illegal content on non-compliant platforms.”
Government Says Rules Protect Children
Australia’s federal government has since defended the new law as necessary to reduce children’s exposure to harmful online material.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the regulations aim to create protections online similar to those that exist in the physical world.
“We don’t allow children to walk into bars or bottle shops, adult stores or casinos, but when it comes to online spaces where they are spending a lot of their time, there are no such safeguards,” Grant said.
“Under these codes, if a young person searches the internet for suicide or self-harm content, the first result they see will be a helpline – not a harmful online rabbit hole.”
Communications Minister Anika Wells also said the reforms are intended to ensure large technology companies take greater responsibility for protecting young people online.
Concerns From Advocacy Groups
However, some advocacy groups warn that the regulations may have broader consequences.
Sex worker organisation Scarlet Alliance has cautioned that strict penalties could create a “chilling effect”, encouraging platforms to over-filter or remove large amounts of content to avoid legal risks.
Similar laws overseas have reportedly resulted in unintended restrictions on LGBTQIA+ community forums, sexual health resources and other legitimate educational content.
Critics argue that while protecting children online is essential, the challenge will be implementing safeguards without undermining privacy or restricting access to important information and support networks across the ditch.
