Cyber risk, privacy, and the legal complexities of age verification for adult content platforms

Abstract

Since 2023, laws mandating age verification for online adult content have introduced serious cybersecurity and privacy challenges. While these laws aim to protect minors, they often compel platforms to collect sensitive user data, increasing risks of identity theft, data breaches, and surveillance. In response, companies like Pornhub have withdrawn from certain U.S. states, prompting users to turn to VPNs and other potentially insecure access methods. This paper explores the intersection of regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and digital privacy in the context of mandatory age verification systems. It analyzes risks stemming from third-party verification vendors, inconsistent data retention policies, and technical vulnerabilities in identity-based authentication. Using a comparative framework, the study evaluates three common verification approaches: identification-based, biometric, and attribute-based, assessing their relative strengths, weaknesses, and legal implications. Attribute-based verification emerges as the most privacy-preserving and cybersecurity-conscious option. The paper offers policy and technical recommendations to help platforms meet compliance obligations while minimizing harm. These findings aim to inform legislators, platform providers, and cybersecurity professionals seeking effective and responsible verification strategies in an evolving digital landscape.