Introduction
On November 28, 2024, the Paris Court of Appeal made headlines when it blocked four popular porn sites in France for not having a proper age verification system. The two online child protection nonprofits that had pushed for the blocks likely thought they’d scored a significant victory. However, in one case, the situation turned out to be a bit of a self-own.
The Background
Asl’Informé reports that the nonprofits went after Iciporno, Mrsexe, Tukif, and xHamster. Their complaints listed the web addresses of the sites, but for xHamster they put ‘fr.xhamster.com,’ pointing to the site’s French subdomain.
The Court’s Decision
As a result, the court ordered blocking of ‘fr.xhamster.com,’ including the ‘fr.’ prefix. This means that internet service providers have complied with the order and blocked xHamster at the DNS level but only with the ‘fr.’ prefix. The question is, what does this mean for users in France?
The Loophole
So xHamster remains accessible in France — until regulator, Arcom, finds a way to close this embarrassing loophole. This situation highlights the complexities of implementing age verification systems on the internet and the potential for unintended consequences.
The Impact on Users
Users in France who try to access xHamster using the ‘fr.’ prefix will still be able to do so. However, those who use the main URL (xhamster.com) will not be able to access the site. This may seem like a minor issue, but it raises questions about the effectiveness of age verification systems and the need for more robust solutions.
The Reaction from xHamster
xHamster has yet to comment on the situation. However, the company’s website still lists France as one of its available regions. It remains to be seen how the company will address this issue and whether it will take steps to block access to the site in France or find a way to comply with the court’s order.
The Broader Implications
This case has broader implications for online child protection and age verification systems. It highlights the need for more effective solutions that can be implemented across multiple jurisdictions and regions. The situation also raises questions about the role of regulators and courts in enforcing age verification policies and the potential consequences of their decisions.
The Future of Age Verification
As technology continues to evolve, so too must age verification systems. The current solutions are often inadequate and may not keep pace with the latest developments. It’s essential for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to work together to develop more effective and robust age verification solutions that can be implemented across multiple platforms and regions.
Conclusion
The case of xHamster in France is a reminder that implementing age verification systems on the internet is complex and challenging. While the goal of protecting children from online harm is admirable, it’s essential to get the policy and regulatory framework right to avoid unintended consequences like this embarrassing loophole.
References
- Asl’Informé: "French court blocks popular porn site after nonprofits push for age verification"
- TechCrunch: "US just added Tencent — which backs US startups — to its list of ‘Chinese military’ companies"
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