VPN is in urgent need: "Access restricted areas" for adult websites in the southern United States are formed

At the beginning of 2025, residents of 16 southern states in the United States discovered that well-known adult websites such as Pornhub suddenly "disappeared." This is because these states have implemented strict age verification laws that require users to provide identification when accessing adult content, and Pornhub parent company Aylo chose to directly block users in these areas to avoid legal risks.

The ban caused a rapid surge in VPN usage. In Florida alone, VPN usage surged by 1,150% on the first day the law came into effect! Previous VPN growth rates in Utah and Texas pale in comparison.

Why is age verification law so controversial?

This law was first introduced in Louisiana and quickly spread across the United States. It requires websites to verify users' ages or face hefty fines or legal action. However, this is considered a "regressive" law that not only fails to effectively protect minors, but instead restricts adults' rights to legally use the Internet.

Aylo said that rather than risk legal action, it would be better to completely block users in these states. But this one-size-fits-all approach has sparked dissatisfaction among users and rights groups, who consider it a serious threat to free speech.

Legal battle escalates, the Supreme Court will become the key referee

Supporters argue that age verification is an important measure to keep minors safe online. For example, the Texas government believes that Pornhub, which can verify the age of content creators, should also have the ability to verify the age of viewers.

Opponents argue that the laws lack precision and are unduly restrictive for adults. Groups such as the Free Speech Alliance have called on the Supreme Court to intervene to overturn the regulations. They believe that this fight is not only about adult content, but also about everyone's privacy rights and freedom of expression.

On January 15th, the two sides will have a fierce debate in court, and the ruling may have a profound impact on future U.S. Internet regulatory policies.

“Watching movies over the wall” has become a hot topic, and users’ attitudes are polarized

This incident triggered heated discussions among netizens:

Supporters of the anti-ban: Some people joked, "Americans have to go over the wall to watch movies. It's so magical!" Some users lamented: "Adult content is a free right and should not be restricted."

Supporters of the ban: There are also voices that believe, “Such rogue websites should have been banned long ago to protect young people.”

This turmoil has caused Americans to face the embarrassing situation of watching adult movie over the wall for the first time, and VPN has become a popular tool to bypass restrictions.

Future Trends: Regulatory Divide and Battle for Privacy

As more states are likely to follow suit and implement age verification laws, VPN demand is expected to continue to soar, and U.S. Internet regulatory policies will also reach an important turning point. This battle over privacy protection, technology regulation and personal freedom will have an impact beyond adult content and touch the entire digital world.

This is not only a problem in the United States, but also a microcosm of the privacy and regulatory game worth pondering around the world.