The vpnMentor Research Team has reported an unprecedented surge in demand for VPN (Virtual Private Network) services in Florida following the enforcement of new age verification laws that restrict access to adult websites, including Pornhub.
On March 25, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 3 (HB3) into law, which mandates age verification for individuals seeking access to adult content online. The law, which passed with bipartisan support, requires websites to implement age-checking systems and imposes significant fines—up to $50,000—on those that fail to comply.
HB3 was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, sparking significant debate over its potential impact on the state’s internet users and the broader online community. In response to this impending legislation, Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, stated on December 18, 2024, declaring that it would block all users located in Florida from accessing their website.
This move was made as a protest against the state’s age-verification law. Pornhub had previously imposed similar access restrictions in other states, including Kentucky, Texas, and Utah, where laws requiring age verification were seen as excessive or unfair by the company. Florida’s restriction made it the 13th state to be blocked from the popular adult site.
Pornhub has previously restricted access in states like Texas, Utah, and Virginia following similar legislative measures, sparking similar spikes in VPN demand. For instance:
- Utah saw a 967% increase in VPN usage in May 2023.
- Texas recorded a 234.8% rise in VPN demand following its age-verification laws.
The ongoing friction between regulatory frameworks and digital privacy underscores a growing trend in online behavior. Users are increasingly adopting VPNs as tools for bypassing restrictions, raising questions about privacy, freedom of access, and the enforcement of online legislation.
Note of Caution:
While VPNs provide enhanced privacy and security, they should not be misused for illegal activities. vpnMentor emphasizes the importance of adhering to local laws and regulations and using VPN services responsibly.
