Major Porn Sites Blocked in France Over New Age Verification Law

France's New Age Verification Law Leads to Porn Site Block: MindGeek's Response and the Future of Online Content. A new French law requiring strict age verification for pornographic websites has prompted MindGeek, the owner of Pornhub, YouPorn, and RedTube, to block access to these sites in France starting June 4, 2025. This decision, announced by MindGeek, highlights the challenges of balancing freedom of access with the protection of minors online. The company claims the intrusive nature of the required verification methods is a concern. However, French authorities maintain their commitment to protecting children from harmful online content. The debate raises questions about the responsibility for age verification – should it fall on the platforms or device manufacturers? The move also has significant economic implications for MindGeek, which counts France as a major market. The situation underscores the ongoing global conversation around online content regulation and the protection of minors.