Strengthening Online Child Protection: Pornographic Websites Re-Empowered to Verify User Age
Paris, France – July 16, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster the protection of minors in the digital space, the French government has announced that pornographic websites will once again be required to implement robust age verification measures for their users. This directive, published by the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Digital and Fiscal Sovereignty, aims to create a safer online environment and prevent underage access to adult content.
The Ministry’s announcement, dated July 16, 2025, at 14:13, signals a renewed emphasis on the responsibility of online platforms in safeguarding young people. While the specifics of the new regulations are still being detailed, the core principle remains clear: pornographic websites must actively ensure that individuals accessing their content are of legal age.
This measure comes as a response to ongoing concerns regarding the accessibility of explicit material to minors, a persistent challenge in the digital age. Previous efforts to implement age verification systems faced technical and practical hurdles, leading to a period where such controls were less rigorously enforced. However, with evolving technologies and a heightened awareness of the potential harms, the government is reasserting its commitment to providing effective safeguards.
The reintroduction of mandatory age verification is expected to involve a multi-faceted approach. While details are forthcoming, it is anticipated that websites will be mandated to utilize reliable and secure methods to confirm user age. This could include a range of technological solutions designed to minimize the risk of circumvention.
The government’s intention behind this directive is to foster a responsible online ecosystem where age-appropriate content is readily accessible to adults, while simultaneously creating strong barriers for minors. This initiative aligns with broader European efforts to enhance online child protection and promote a safer internet for all users.
As the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Digital and Fiscal Sovereignty continues to refine and implement these regulations, stakeholders in the online adult entertainment industry will be expected to adapt and comply. The overarching goal is to ensure that the digital world remains a space for exploration and entertainment for adults, without compromising the safety and well-being of children. Further updates on the implementation and technical requirements of these age verification measures are anticipated in the coming weeks.
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economie.gouv.fr published ‘Protection des mineurs en ligne : les sites pornographiques doivent de nouveau contrôler l’âge des utilisateurs’ at 2025-07-16 14:13. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.