EU Investigates Adult Websites Over Failure to Block Underage Viewers

The European Commission has launched a probe into four adult content platforms—Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos—over suspicions they’re not doing enough to keep minors away from explicit material. The inquiry is part of the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which applies to digital platforms across the EU since 2022.

According to the Commission, these websites are not using effective age verification tools to protect minors. As a result, children may be exposed to harmful content, violating EU regulations designed to keep the internet safer for younger users.

Henna Virkkunen, executive vice president for tech sovereignty and democracy at the Commission, highlighted the importance of child safety. She emphasized the need to create online environments where minors can learn, connect, and explore safely without being subjected to harmful adult material.

In a statement, the Commission made clear that protecting the rights and interests of children should be embedded into the design and operation of digital services. Platforms must implement “appropriate and proportionate measures” to shield young users from inappropriate exposure.

CNN reached out to Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos for comment, but none had issued public responses as of the time of reporting. Their silence may suggest hesitation or a lack of preparedness for compliance with the EU's latest regulatory measures.

In December 2023, the EU categorized Pornhub, Stripchat, and XVideos as “very large online platforms” (VLOPs), placing them under stricter rules for content moderation, transparency, and age verification. These platforms are required to uphold higher standards due to their broad reach and influence.

However, Stripchat was recently removed from the VLOP list because its monthly active user base in the EU fell below the threshold. Still, the site is not exempt from DSA obligations and must continue to provide a high level of child protection.

As part of its broader digital safety initiative, the EU is also creating an age-verification app. The app, set to launch this summer, will let users prove they’re over 18 without disclosing personal details, ensuring privacy while bolstering child protection online.