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FLORIDA - A new Florida law requiring age verification for adult content is prompting significant backlash from the adult entertainment industry.
Starting Wednesday, users in Florida will need to provide government-issued identification to access adult websites, a move aimed at restricting access for minors but sparking privacy concerns for users.
The legislation, known as HB 3, mandates that visitors to adult content sites prove they are at least 18 years old, often by uploading sensitive personal information such as a government ID.
In response, several leading adult websites have announced plans to block access to Florida residents, citing the invasive nature of the law and potential privacy risks for users.
Visitors to these websites will now encounter messages explaining the restrictions and protesting the new law.
Industry representatives argue that the requirements put user data at significant risk, potentially leading to breaches or misuse of personal information.
The Free Speech Coalition, an advocacy group for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a legal challenge against the law, claiming it violates constitutional rights and endangers user privacy and that the law is “invasive” and fails to provide adequate safeguards against data breaches.
Florida joins a growing list of states implementing similar age-verification laws, with at least 12 other states having enacted comparable regulations.
Critics argue these measures may push users toward unregulated platforms that lack safety protocols, increasing exposure to harmful content and cyber threats.
They propose alternative solutions, such as device-based verification systems, which could effectively restrict minors' access while safeguarding user privacy.
As the implementation date approaches, Florida residents are urged to stay informed about the law and consider its implications for their online privacy and activities.
The debate surrounding HB 3 underscores broader concerns about balancing child protection with the right to digital privacy.
