A landmark law requiring all websites displaying adult content in France to implement robust age verification measures came into full effect on April 11, marking a significant shift in the regulation of adult content online. Under the law, platforms must now offer users multiple ways to prove their age, with at least one method using […]
A landmark law requiring all websites displaying adult content in France to implement robust age verification measures came into full effect on April 11, marking a significant shift in the regulation of adult content online.
Under the law, platforms must now offer users multiple ways to prove their age, with at least one method using ‘double-blind’ technology.
The requirement, enforced by the French broadcasting and digital regulator Arcom, applies to all websites accessible in France, regardless of where they are hosted.
The law is part of the broader Sécurité et régulation de l’espace numérique(SREN) framework, designed to strengthen online safety, particularly for minors.
The “double-blind” model ensures complete anonymity: pornographic websites remain unaware of the identity of the user being verified, while the age verification provider cannot see which platform the individual is accessing.
The standard was developed in consultation with France’s data protection authority, CNIL, and aims to balance privacy with child protection.
In response, safety technology company Verifymy and digital trust specialist ID x LAB have announced a strategic partnership to deliver a one-stop, integrated age verification service, AnonymAGE, which meets Arcom’s criteria.
“This partnership is in line with our commitment to excellence and our ambition to become a long-term player in the French and international age verification market,” said Jacky Lamraoui, founding chairman of ID x LAB. “Our partnership will enable us to offer a standard that can be easily deployed in other areas and activities reserved for adults.”
Verifymy’s chief operating officer Andy Lulham added: “While none of our existing methods involve a user’s personal data being shared with an adult entertainment platform, Arcom’s decision to require all adult websites to implement at least one double-blind method means that adults will now also have the option to prove their age without handing over any identifying data to the age verification provider either.”
Sites that fail to comply risk being blocked or delisted by French authorities. Seventeen major pornographic platforms are already facing potential bans under a ministerial order issued in March.
Pornhub’s owner Aylo (formerly MindGeek) is already challenging the law in court.
Other jurisdictions follow suit
France is not alone in tightening regulation of adult content. In the UK, the government is implementing age verification checks for online pornography. This initiative is part of the Online Safety Act, with enforcement beginning in July 2025.
Websites hosting pornographic content, including platforms like Pornhub and OnlyFans, are required to introduce “robust” age-checking techniques such as demanding photo ID or running credit card checks for UK users by July.
With pressure mounting globally to protect minors online, France’s regulatory model could soon serve as a template for other jurisdictions.
