Italy enforces age verification for adult sites
What's the story
Italy has become the latest country to enforce age verification for pornographic websites. The move comes from AGCOM, Italy's communications regulator, and is aimed at keeping minors away from adult content. The initial list of affected sites includes popular platforms like Pornhub, XHamster, and OnlyFans. Under the new rule, users will have to get their age verified through "certified third parties."
Verification details
How will the age verification process work?
The age verification process under the new rule will involve a third-party organization, bank, or mobile operator that already has the user's information. Once this entity confirms the user's age, it will issue a code granting access to the porn site. To address privacy concerns, AGCOM has proposed a "double anonymity" system where porn sites only get to know if a user is of age, but not their identity.
Rule enforcement
France and UK have similar rules
The new age verification rule will come into effect on November 12. Any porn sites found to be non-compliant with this regulation could face fines of up to €250,000. Italy's move comes after France implemented a similar system earlier this summer and the UK introduced its own age verification process requiring either a selfie or government ID.