On January 1, 2025, Florida saw a dramatic spike in Virtual Private Network (VPN) searches after a new law requiring age verification for accessing adult websites took effect. This law, which blocks adult content for users who cannot prove they are 18 or older, led to major pornography sites, including Pornhub, blocking Florida-based users.
The surge in VPN searches is reminiscent of patterns observed in countries with high censorship, such as China, Russia, and Iran. VPNMentor reported an incredible 1,150% increase in VPN demand within just a few hours after the law went live. On December 19, 2024, when Aylo, Pornhub’s parent company, announced its decision to geo-block Florida users, VPN searches spiked by 51% in the state.
Similar trends have been observed in other states that have introduced age verification laws. For instance, when Pornhub restricted access to Utah residents, VPN interest surged by 967%, while a similar law in Texas triggered a 234% rise in VPN searches.
Florida Joins Growing List of States Enforcing Age Verification
Florida is the latest state to introduce mandatory age verification for adult content, following the enactment of House Bill 3. This legislation is now in effect alongside similar laws in Tennessee and South Carolina, marking 17 states, mainly in the southern U.S., enforcing such requirements.
Under House Bill 3, websites that fail to comply with the age verification rules face hefty fines, including penalties up to $50,000 per violation. While proponents of the law argue it is necessary to protect children, critics have raised concerns over its impact on privacy and the First Amendment. The legislation has triggered intense debate over its implications for online freedoms and data security.
Google Trends Reveals VPN Search Surge
According to Google Trends, searches for VPN services spiked significantly beginning on December 31, 2024, and continued into January 2025. The data showed a sharp increase in VPN search interest, with a value of 100 on January 2, up from 55 on December 31. Notably, searches for specific VPN providers and keywords like “Internet pornography” also saw significant growth, signaling widespread attempts to bypass the newly imposed restrictions.
Pornhub’s Response: Privacy and Safety Concerns
As Florida residents attempt to access Pornhub, they are met with a video from adult actress Cherie DeVille. In her message, DeVille explains that while the platform is committed to user safety, the requirement for frequent ID verification is problematic. She argues that this measure could compromise both children’s safety and users’ privacy.
Aylo, Pornhub’s parent company, released a statement expressing support for age verification but criticizing Florida’s approach. The company emphasized that requiring adult sites to collect sensitive personal information could expose users to significant privacy risks, particularly if enforcement is inadequate. Aylo warns that users will find ways to bypass such regulations or migrate to non-compliant sites.
Alternative Approaches to Age Verification
In response to these concerns, journalist Frank Cerabino proposed an alternative in the Palm Beach Post. Rather than relying on government-issued IDs, he suggested implementing a series of screening questions that could verify a user’s age while maintaining privacy. This approach, he argued, would avoid invasive data collection, especially for those with reputations to protect, such as teachers, clergy, or public officials.
As more states consider similar laws, child safety advocates hope that age verification will become a national standard. Georgia is expected to be the 18th state to introduce such a law in July 2025, and there are hopes that others will follow suit.
Privacy Advocates Raise Concerns Over Surveillance and Free Speech
As of now, nearly 139 million Americans live in states with laws mandating age verification for adult websites. Privacy advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), warn that such laws create new risks for free speech and privacy. They argue that mandatory age verification tools function as surveillance systems, which could infringe upon basic rights and cause more harm than good.
The Risks of VPN Use: A Warning to Users
With the surge in VPN interest, cybersecurity experts have issued warnings about the risks associated with using VPN services, particularly unverified or free options. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) cautions that personal VPNs can shift security risks from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to the VPN provider, potentially increasing the chances of data breaches.
Mobile VPN users, in particular, are at risk. As CBS News reported, 97% of Pornhub’s traffic comes from mobile devices, which are especially vulnerable to malicious apps. Kaspersky observed a significant increase in downloads of dangerous free VPNs, raising concerns about malware and data security threats.
