Many may be familiar with the common pop-up message that implores people to verify that they’re 18 years or older before accessing a porn site. However, down in Louisiana, people have to begin providing legitimate proof that they’re a legal adult before visiting adult websites.
Act 440 Went Into Effect At The Beginning Of 2023
The law, dubbed Act 440, officially went into effect on January 1, 2023. It’s centered on protecting people under the age of 18 from “commercial entities who distribute material harmful to minors” (pornography).
In order to ensure that such web material is only accessible by adults, Louisiana requires websites with a “substantial amount” of pornographic material—more than 33.1%—to confirm users’ ages.
A screen recording that made its way to Twitter shows an example of what Louisiana-based users can expect to see. The video shows the individual being promoted to create an account on Allpasstrust to access PornHub, which would provide personal information for age-verification purposes through LA Wallet.
Hello from the surveillance state of Louisiana. People in Louisiana have to use their drivers license to go to pornhub. This is truly wild. Under his eye. https://t.co/uji6Jo3Tde pic.twitter.com/pVKEeVcCGw
— Public Defendering (@fodderyfodder) January 2, 2023
How Are People Responding To The Legislation?
At this point, we should add that—while the legislation was called a “privacy time bomb” by PCMag—websites are barred from retaining users’ identifying information.
“A commercial entity that is found to have knowingly retained identifying information of the individual after access has been granted to the individual shall be liable to the individual for damages resulting from retaining the identifying information, including court costs and reasonable attorney fees as ordered by the court.”
Nonetheless, the matter is controversial to say the least, as some felt it was a move that came straight out of 1984. People also called out how the legislation would impact vulnerable communities the most, while others felt as though Louisiana has bigger issues to deal with aside from porn.
How is this smaller, less intrusive government.
— David Anderson (@daavetv) January 5, 2023
That new Louisiana law is sort of a big no from me dawg, the government should not be allowed to regulate the internet to this extent.
— Seiba (@Tsuki_Seiba) January 5, 2023
I spoke to @asilbwrites for @TechCrunch about louisiana’s new act 440, which requires that porn consumers submit government ID to access adult content.
tl;dr “trans women sex workers, as usual, will be the most affected.” https://t.co/0OlbZdErwo
— 🌬Doctrix Snow 🎂BDAY WEEK🎂 (@MistressSnowPhD) January 3, 2023
Of all the WRONG things going on in Louisiana right now like education funding, rising cost of living, crime rate and the law makers are worried about PORN???? https://t.co/2rmtXJ8Kbk
— Chelsea, duh. (@charmdiddy) January 2, 2023
However, other users were in full support of the law, and some even called on states like Texas to follow Louisiana’s lead.
@GregAbbott_TX Governor Abbott, I would like Texas to do something similar. Louisiana Act 440 was authored by Rep. Laurie Schlegel (R-Metairie), who says the law is needed to protect juveniles. “Someone can sue on behalf of their child.”
— Patty Williams (@PEW_Patty) January 5, 2023
There is no reason to oppose the Louisiana porn law unless you’re an underage guy mad that you can’t watch porn anymore
— scott (@Scott93366297) January 5, 2023
I hate government authority and restrictions, BUT the new Louisiana law about proving you are above 18 before having access to porn is fucking awesome
— Jesus (@joegidensdick) January 5, 2023
Some tech-savvy users also spread the word about how a virtual private network (VPN) can be used to get around the legislation.
changed my ip address to italy pic.twitter.com/ktYe5pOqIH
— wockstar (@babybottlewock) January 5, 2023
VPN’s are a hot commodity in Louisiana, now.
— The Queen of Sicily 💮 (@Yeoh23) January 5, 2023
that’s a weird way of writing “Louisiana Law Requires VPN to View Porn”. https://t.co/ZulqdfkcXR
— m (@overthinkingmfk) January 5, 2023
What are your thoughts on this new Louisiana law, and how would you feel if your state followed suit?
