Following the blockage of access to the Pornhub website in Utah, it became evident that residents decided to take matters into their own hands. This was evident from the significant surge in Google searches for VPN access, making it the most sought-after search term throughout the state.
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Pornhub Shutdown in Utah
Following the decision of Pornhub to block access to its site in Utah as a protest against a new age-verification law, residents responded by conducting a surge of Google searches for VPN access throughout the entire state. The popular pornography platform took this action on Monday, expressing their view that the law is ineffective, unfair, and an infringement on privacy. Consequently, the spike in VPN searches indicates a collective effort by Utah residents to bypass the access restrictions imposed by the site’s blockage.
The surge in searches for virtual private networks (VPNs) in Utah was not limited to urban areas but also extended to smaller towns like Providence, Mount Pleasant, Moroni, and Magna. Google data reveals that related topics, including different types of VPNs and explanations of what a VPN is, experienced increased search activity as well.
The heightened interest in VPNs among Utah residents follows the decision by Pornhub to block access to its site for individuals in the state. This action was taken as a form of protest against the recently implemented age-verification law, S.B. 287. The law mandates that pornography companies conduct “reasonable” checks to confirm that users are of legal adult age.
As outlined in the legislation, age verification measures could involve users providing a government-issued identification card or utilizing a third-party app for verification purposes. The impact of this law has prompted Utahns to seek alternative methods, such as VPNs, to access restricted content.
Following the implementation of S.B. 287, which was passed in March and took effect on Wednesday, Pornhub responded by posting a video statement on its website. In the video, adult film actress Cherie DeVille addressed the issue, expressing concerns about the legislation’s approach to age verification.
DeVille emphasized the importance of safety and compliance in their mission but raised doubts about the effectiveness and potential risks associated with requiring users to provide their identification cards each time they visit an adult platform. She highlighted the potential risks to both children and user privacy that such a practice could entail.
Instead, Pornhub is advocating for an alternative approach known as “device-based verification.” This method would involve users verifying that the electronic device they are using, such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet, is either owned or used by an adult, thereby ensuring age-appropriate access to the platform.
