Reports from VPN providers or market research firms on VPN usage statistics

Pornhub Blocks Florida Users Amid Age Verification Law, VPN Demand Surges 1150%

Jan 6, 2025, 01:00 PM

Pornhub, one of the world's largest adult websites, has blocked access to users in Florida as of January 1, 2025, following the implementation of a new state law, HB 3. The law requires age verification for accessing adult content, mandating users to provide identification, and imposes fines of up to $50,000 for non-compliance. In response, Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, criticized the law as ineffective and dangerous, citing concerns over user privacy and safety. This move has led to a surge in demand for virtual private networks (VPNs) in Florida, with some reports indicating a 1150% increase in VPN searches. A Google Trends analysis showed a sharp rise in searches for VPN-related terms, while Proton VPN reported a significant surge in sign-ups. VPNs allow users to bypass regional restrictions by masking their IP addresses. Users attempting to access Pornhub in Florida are now greeted with a video message from adult entertainer Cherie DeVille, explaining the site's decision. Similar laws in other states have prompted Pornhub to block access in multiple regions, including Texas and Utah, where VPN demand also spiked. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over privacy, user safety, and the effectiveness of age-verification mandates.