Australians are encountering significant disruptions as porn sites are blocked due to new online age restrictions that took effect this week.
- Australians are encountering significant disruptions as porn sites are blocked due to new online age restrictions that took effect this week.
On Monday, users across the nation began to notice restrictions as one of the world’s largest porn distributors, Aylo, implemented measures that prevent access to popular platforms like RedTube and YouPorn. Instead, a modified version of Pornhub was made available, devoid of explicit content. The websites now display a banner stating they are “not currently accepting new account registrations in your region.”
Last December, Australia positioned itself as a pioneer by imposing a nationwide ban on teenagers accessing social media. The latest law requires AI-powered chatbot services to ensure minors cannot access sensitive content, including pornography, extreme violence, and materials related to self-harm or eating disorders. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately $34.5 million).
In a move aligning with similar regulations in countries like the UK, France, and various U.S. states, Australia now mandates that websites distributing pornographic content verify users’ ages to confirm they are over 18. Additionally, app stores are required to conduct age checks before permitting downloads of any software designated for ages 18 and up.
Julie Inman Grant, the country’s eSafety Commissioner, emphasised these measures are designed to provide children with the same protections online as they receive in the physical world. “A child today can’t walk into a bar and order a drink, they can’t stroll into a strip club or browse an adult shop or sit down at a blackjack table in a casino,” she stated in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “This just really brings … those protections that we put for kids in place to the digital realm.”
As these restrictions rolled out, there was a notable surge in the downloading of virtual private networks (VPNs). Three of the 15 most downloaded free smartphone apps on Monday were VPNs, with VPN – Super Unlimited Proxy topping the charts, even outpacing social media platforms. This increase suggests that many Australians are seeking alternative ways to access content that has now become restricted.
VPNs function by masking users’ actual locations, thus allowing them to bypass geographic restrictions. However, VPN – Super Unlimited Proxy did not respond to a request for comment regarding the surge in downloads.
Aylo, the owner of the blocked pornographic sites, cited ineffective and haphazard age verification laws as the reason for its decision to restrict access. In an email, the company mentioned that it had already limited access in several regions, including the UK, France, and multiple U.S. states, due to similar concerns.
Tom Sulston, the deputy chair of advocacy group Digital Rights Watch, expressed that the trend of Australians resorting to VPNs is unsurprising. He hopes this situation will not only lead individuals to discover a workaround for accessing certain content but also raise awareness about the privacy protections that VPNs can offer while navigating the internet.
