Pornhub, one of the world’s most visited adult websites, has been fined $14m for hosting child abuse content. The penalty follows a New York Times investigation that accused the site of being “infested” with illegal videos depicting child sexual abuse and rape.
In response to the allegations, Pornhub has announced significant policy changes. The site will now require users to be verified before uploading videos and has removed its download function, which previously allowed removed content to resurface. The verification system is set to launch in the new year; for now, uploads are restricted to industry professionals and verified content partners.
The crackdown comes after reports that payment companies Visa and Mastercard had launched their own investigations into the claims. Had they suspended services, it would have financially impacted Pornhub’s parent company, Mindgeek. Pornhub offers free content but also runs a subscription service for higher-quality and exclusive videos.
Adult performers and campaigners have long called for such changes, arguing that unrestricted uploads and downloads allowed pirated, stolen, and illegal content to proliferate. While the new measures are seen as a victory for performers and non-consensual imagery campaigners, they are unlikely to satisfy those calling for the site to be shut down entirely.
Pornhub stated it would also release transparency reports starting in 2021 and has improved safety measures. The site previously faced criticism over a case involving Rose Kalemba, who was raped at 14 and struggled to have a video of the attack removed. Pornhub said it was under different ownership in 2009 and now has stringent safeguards in place.
