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Age Verification Laws by Country and US State

Find out whether adult websites must verify age where you or your audience are: the law, when it took effect, who it applies to, which methods are accepted and how it is enforced, with sources.

27US states with a law in force
5US states with a bill pending
10countries and regions with a duty in force
8countries where adult content is prohibited

Covers 51 US jurisdictions and 33 countries and regions, last checked on . General information, not legal advice.

Countries and regions

Age-verification duties for adult websites, and whether producing and selling adult content is legal, by country.

European Union In force Digital Services Act, Article 28(1), with Commission guidelines of 14 July 2025
Law
Digital Services Act, Article 28(1), with Commission guidelines of 14 July 2025
Applies to
Online platforms accessible to minors, except micro and small enterprises; the Commission directly supervises very large platforms such as Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos.
Accepted methods
Guidelines recommend accurate, privacy-preserving age verification for pornography, citing the EU age verification app and EU Digital Identity Wallets; a one-click self-declaration was found ineffective.
Enforcement
European Commission for very large platforms and national Digital Services Coordinators for others; fines up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover.
Good to know
The DSA does not name age verification explicitly and the guidelines are non-binding; the Commission's March 2026 findings against four porn platforms are preliminary.

Sources

Australia In force Online Safety Act industry codes (Age-Restricted Material Codes)
Law
Online Safety Act industry codes (Age-Restricted Material Codes)
In effect from
9 March 2026
Applies to
Adult websites, social media allowing pornography, app stores, AI chatbots, and R18+ games and messaging; search, hosting and carriage services since 27 December 2025.
Accepted methods
Providers choose an appropriate age assurance method, such as photo ID, facial age estimation, credit card checks or digital identity wallets; self-declaration is not sufficient.
Enforcement
eSafety Commissioner; civil penalties up to AUD 49.5 million for breaching a direction to comply with a code.
Adult content law
Online pornography is legal for adults; material depicting violence, certain fetishes or adults presented as minors can be refused classification.

Sources

Austria Proposed Draft amendment to the Audiovisual Media Services Act (AMD-G) and KommAustria Act
Law
Draft amendment to the Audiovisual Media Services Act (AMD-G) and KommAustria Act
Applies to
Video platforms with pornographic content would have to check that users are 18 or older.
Accepted methods
A double-blind model would be mandatory; ID Austria is one permitted option among comparable access controls.
Enforcement
KommAustria; the draft foresees fines of up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover for very large platforms.
Adult content law
Producing or distributing obscene material for profit is an offence under a 1950 law that courts apply liberally; hardcore material is sold from age 16.
Good to know
Public consultation on the draft ended on 21 September 2026; existing AMD-G section 39 already requires access controls for the most harmful content on Austrian video platforms.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Belgium No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Belgium.

Applies to
No national age verification law for pornographic sites was found; community media decrees require age checks for harmful content on video-sharing platforms.
Good to know
The digital minister announced in March 2026 a bill on age verification for social networks, not pornographic sites.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Brazil In force Lei 15.211/2025 (ECA Digital), Article 9
Law
Lei 15.211/2025 (ECA Digital), Article 9
In effect from
17 March 2026
Applies to
Providers of content, products or services unsuitable or prohibited for under-18s, including pornography.
Accepted methods
Reliable age verification at each access; self-declaration is expressly banned, with technical standards still to be issued.
Enforcement
ANPD; warnings, fines up to 10% of the group's Brazilian revenue capped at BRL 50 million per infraction, and suspension or prohibition of activities.
Adult content law
Adult pornography is legal for adults; there is no general ban on adult sites.

Sources

Canada Proposed Bill S-209, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act
Law
Bill S-209, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act
Applies to
Commercial internet services that make sexually explicit material available to the public would be covered.
Enforcement
Enforcement authority to be designated by the government; proposed fines up to CAD 250,000, then CAD 500,000, and court-ordered site blocking.
Adult content law
Legal for adults; material is criminal obscenity if it unduly exploits sex, and selling hardcore pornography to minors is illegal.
Good to know
The bill passed the Senate on 15 April 2026 and was at second reading in the House of Commons on 24 September 2026.

Sources

Denmark No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Denmark.

Applies to
No national law requires age verification for pornographic sites beyond EU law.
Enforcement
No dedicated national penalty; Danish Act No. 1765 of 28 December 2023 only provides enforcement of the EU Digital Services Act.
Adult content law
Pornography is legal for adults; material involving under-18s is prohibited.
Good to know
A November 2025 political agreement and planned 2027 bill concern a social media age limit of 15, not pornographic sites.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Finland No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Finland.

Applies to
No dedicated age verification law for pornographic websites was found.
Enforcement
The National Audiovisual Institute supervises age limits under the Audiovisual Programmes Act and can impose conditional fines.
Adult content law
Pornography is legal for adults; child, violent and bestial pornography are illegal and hardcore material is restricted to buyers aged 18 or over.
Good to know
The Audiovisual Programmes Act requires providers to check age when offering 18-rated programmes, but its application to pornographic websites was not confirmed.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

This entry could not be fully confirmed. Check the sources before relying on it.

Sources

France In force SREN law (Loi n° 2024-449), LCEN arts. 10 to 10-2, and Arcom technical standard
Law
SREN law (Loi n° 2024-449), LCEN arts. 10 to 10-2, and Arcom technical standard
In effect from
11 January 2025
Applies to
Pornographic sites and video-sharing platforms accessible from France, including 17 named sites established in other EU states since 6 June 2025.
Accepted methods
No pornographic content before verification, at least one double-anonymity method offered, and independent audits; self-declaration is not accepted.
Enforcement
Arcom; fines up to EUR 250,000 or 4% of worldwide turnover, plus blocking and search delisting without a court order.
Adult content law
Pornography is generally permitted for adults; it cannot be sold to under-18s.
Good to know
The CJEU ruled on 16 June 2026 that targeted, proportionate age verification can be imposed on services established in other member states.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Germany In force Jugendmedienschutz-Staatsvertrag (JMStV), section 4(2)
Law
Jugendmedienschutz-Staatsvertrag (JMStV), section 4(2)
In effect from
1 April 2003
Applies to
Providers distributing pornographic content online to users in Germany, which must restrict it to adults in a closed user group.
Accepted methods
An age verification system meeting criteria of the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM), typically ID-based or third-party identification.
Enforcement
KJM and state media authorities; fines up to EUR 500,000 and blocking orders against non-compliant sites.
Adult content law
Pornography is legal for adults except child pornography; supplying hardcore pornography to under-18s is an offence.
Good to know
The Sixth State Media Amendment Treaty, planned to apply from 1 December 2025, widened enforcement options against providers based abroad.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Greece No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Greece.

Applies to
No national age verification law specific to pornographic sites was found.
Adult content law
Selling and publishing pornography is legal, and local production has been legal since 2008; supplying it to under-18s is illegal.
Good to know
Greece plans a social media minimum age of 15 from 1 January 2027 using its Kids Wallet app; the legislation was still pending in October 2026.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

India Adult content prohibited Information Technology Act, sections 67 and 67A
Law
Information Technology Act, sections 67 and 67A
Applies to
Publishing, hosting or transmitting sexually explicit material online is an offence regardless of the audience's age.
Enforcement
Police and courts under the IT Act; the government has ordered blocking of pornographic websites and adult streaming apps.
Adult content law
Producing, publishing and distributing pornography is illegal; the Supreme Court said in 2015 it could not restrict adults viewing it privately.

Sources

Indonesia Adult content prohibited Law No. 44 of 2008 on Pornography; ITE Law
Law
Law No. 44 of 2008 on Pornography; ITE Law
Applies to
All production, distribution and operation of pornographic sites is banned, and the communications ministry blocks them.
Enforcement
Communications ministry blocks sites; producing or distributing pornography carries up to 12 years' imprisonment and fines up to IDR 6 billion.
Adult content law
Producing, distributing, selling and possessing pornography are all illegal.

Sources

Ireland In force Online Safety Code, Part B (Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022)
Law
Online Safety Code, Part B (Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022)
In effect from
21 July 2025
Applies to
Designated video-sharing platforms under Irish jurisdiction that allow pornography; it does not cover adult sites established outside Ireland.
Accepted methods
Effective age assurance is required and self-declaration is not enough; no single method is mandated.
Enforcement
Coimisiún na Meán; fines up to EUR 20 million or 10% of annual turnover, whichever is greater.
Adult content law
Pornography involving anyone under 17 is strictly illegal; no other laws ban specific types of adult pornography.
Good to know
A private member's Protection of Children (Online Age Verification) Bill 2026, covering all pornographic sites, was introduced in the Seanad in July 2026 and is not law.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Italy In force Decree-Law 123/2023 (Decreto Caivano), art. 13-bis, and AGCOM Resolution 96/25/CONS
Law
Decree-Law 123/2023 (Decreto Caivano), art. 13-bis, and AGCOM Resolution 96/25/CONS
In effect from
12 November 2025
Applies to
Websites and video-sharing platforms distributing pornographic images or videos in Italy; operators established in other EU states are covered from 1 February 2026.
Accepted methods
Proof of age from independent certified third parties at each session, with a double-anonymity model; apps and digital identity wallets are accepted.
Enforcement
AGCOM; formal warning with 20 days to comply, then blocking of the site in Italy, with fines reported up to EUR 250,000.
Adult content law
Adults may view pornography; distributing it to under-18s is illegal.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Japan No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Japan.

Applies to
No statutory online age verification duty for adult websites was found.
Enforcement
Police enforce Penal Code art. 175; distributing obscene material carries up to two years' imprisonment or a fine.
Adult content law
Legal for adults only if genitals are obscured, usually by pixelation; a 2022 law gives performers contract cancellation rights and mandatory waiting periods.
Good to know
In April 2026 the government was only considering age-based restrictions for social media.

Sources

Mexico No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Mexico.

Applies to
No federal law requiring age verification for adult websites was found.
Enforcement
Prosecutors under Federal Penal Code art. 200; supplying pornography to under-18s carries six months to five years in prison.
Adult content law
Selling, distributing or showing pornographic material to under-18s is a federal crime.
Good to know
Bills on protecting minors online were pending in the Chamber of Deputies in 2026, but none found mandates age verification for adult sites.

This entry could not be fully confirmed. Check the sources before relying on it.

Sources

Netherlands No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Netherlands.

Applies to
No national law requires online age verification for pornographic sites.
Enforcement
No dedicated regulator or penalty for age verification on adult sites.
Adult content law
Pornography is legal for adults; giving pornographic images to under-16s and bestiality pornography are prohibited.
Good to know
The government confirmed in February 2025 that this is not regulated by law; parliament had passed a non-binding motion for it in October 2024.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

New Zealand No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for New Zealand.

Applies to
No law requires age verification for pornographic sites.
Enforcement
Department of Internal Affairs enforces classification law; knowingly supplying restricted material to an under-age person carries up to three months' prison or a NZD 10,000 fine.
Adult content law
Adult material is legal for adults unless classified objectionable; restricted (R18) material must not be supplied to under-age persons.
Good to know
The Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill, introduced 24 August 2026, covers social media and AI companions, not pornographic sites.

Sources

Norway No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Norway.

Applies to
No national law requires age verification for pornographic sites.
Enforcement
No dedicated regulator or penalty for age verification on adult sites.
Adult content law
Pornography is legal for adults within the limits of Penal Code section 317 on illegal pornography.
Good to know
A parliamentary committee recommended in May 2026 rejecting a proposal for a verifiable 18 age limit for online pornography.

Sources

Philippines Adult content prohibited Revised Penal Code, Article 201; Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), section 4(c)(1)
Law
Revised Penal Code, Article 201; Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), section 4(c)(1)
Applies to
Obscene publications and exhibitions are prohibited, and operating online sexual exhibitions for payment is the offence of cybersex.
Enforcement
National Telecommunications Commission ordered blocking of several major porn sites in January 2017; police and prosecutors enforce the criminal provisions.
Adult content law
Producing or selling obscene material is prohibited, and commercial online sexual exhibitions are criminalised as cybersex.
Good to know
Blocking is partial and varies by internet provider, and no age verification law for adult sites was found.

Sources

Poland Proposed Bill on protecting minors from access to pornographic content on the internet (Sejm print 2697)
Law
Bill on protecting minors from access to pornographic content on the internet (Sejm print 2697)
Applies to
All websites and services making pornographic content available would be covered.
Accepted methods
No fixed method, but self-declaration would be banned; the EU Digital Identity Wallet age credential is the recommended example.
Enforcement
President of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE); proposed fines of PLN 10,000 to 1,000,000 and domain blocking by internet providers.
Adult content law
Pornography is legal for adults except material involving minors, animals or violence; showing it to under-15s is illegal.
Good to know
The government adopted the bill on 2 June 2026; it was still in Sejm committees in September 2026 and would apply 12 months after publication.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Portugal Proposed Bill limiting minors' access to online platforms and social networks
Law
Bill limiting minors' access to online platforms and social networks
Applies to
Social networks, online games, betting and video-sharing services; providers of content harmful or prohibited to children would need age verification, though adult sites are not named.
Accepted methods
Age confirmation through the state Chave Móvel Digital system.
Enforcement
ANACOM and the data protection authority CNPD; proposed fines up to EUR 2 million or 2% of worldwide annual turnover.
Adult content law
Videos and magazines are sold legally but cannot be supplied to under-18s; child pornography is illegal.
Good to know
Sources differ on the general vote date (February or July 2026); the bill was in committee and not yet law.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

This entry could not be fully confirmed. Check the sources before relying on it.

Sources

Singapore Adult content prohibited Penal Code section 292; Films Act; Undesirable Publications Act
Law
Penal Code section 292; Films Act; Undesirable Publications Act
Applies to
Transmitting or distributing obscene material electronically is an offence, so no age-gated adult site regime exists.
Enforcement
IMDA and police; ISPs block a symbolic list of sites, and offenders face fines and imprisonment under the Penal Code and Films Act.
Adult content law
Producing or selling sexually explicit content online is illegal, including on subscription platforms; creators have been prosecuted.
Good to know
Only a symbolic list of pornographic sites is blocked; an IMDA code separately requires app stores to check users' ages.

Sources

South Africa In force Films and Publications Act 65 of 1996, section 24(3), as amended in 2019
Law
Films and Publications Act 65 of 1996, section 24(3), as amended in 2019
In effect from
1 March 2022
Applies to
Commercial online distributors of X18 films or games, which must register with the Film and Publication Board and obtain an exemption.
Accepted methods
Distributor must satisfy the Board that under-18s cannot access content, obtain user confirmation of age, and keep a register with each user's name, address and verifiable age.
Enforcement
Film and Publication Board; fines up to ZAR 750,000 or up to five years' imprisonment, and suspension of the exemption.
Adult content law
X18 adult content is legal only through registered distributors; distributing it unregistered or unclassified is an offence.

Sources

South Korea Adult content prohibited Information and Communications Network Act, Article 44-7
Law
Information and Communications Network Act, Article 44-7
Applies to
Distribution of obscene content over information networks is banned, and foreign adult sites are blocked.
Accepted methods
Legal adult-rated content designated harmful to youth needs age and identity checks, such as a digital certificate or mobile carrier authentication.
Enforcement
Korea Media and Communications Commission orders blocking; producing or distributing pornography carries up to one year's imprisonment or a fine.
Adult content law
Producing or distributing pornography is illegal; viewing or possessing lawful adult material is not.
Good to know
Youth Protection Act Article 16 requires identity-based adult verification, at age 19, for permitted youth-harmful content.

Sources

Spain In force Ley 13/2022 General de Comunicación Audiovisual (LGCA)
Law
Ley 13/2022 General de Comunicación Audiovisual (LGCA)
Applies to
Audiovisual and video-sharing providers of pornographic content established in Spain, which must use technical measures to keep minors out.
Accepted methods
The law requires effective age controls without fixing one method; regulators treat a simple checkbox as insufficient.
Enforcement
CNMC, which treats breaches as very serious infringements under LGCA art. 157.14 and has fined several Spanish porn site operators.
Adult content law
Selling, distributing or showing pornographic material to minors is a crime under Penal Code art. 186.
Good to know
A broader organic law on protecting minors in digital environments was still pending in parliament as of August 2026.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Sweden No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Sweden.

Applies to
No national law requires age verification for pornographic sites.
Enforcement
No dedicated regulator or penalty for age verification on adult sites.
Adult content law
Pre-recorded pornography is legal, but since 1 July 2025 paying for sexual acts performed remotely to order, such as custom or live content, is a crime for the buyer.
Good to know
A government inquiry (dir. 2025:91) launched in October 2025 is examining age limits for social media and following EU age verification work.

EU-level rules under the Digital Services Act also apply here. See European Union.

Sources

Switzerland No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Switzerland.

Applies to
No dedicated age verification regime for pornographic websites was confirmed; criminal law makes providers liable if under-16s get access.
Accepted methods
A click-through age confirmation is not prohibited outright but may be judged insufficient.
Enforcement
Criminal courts under Criminal Code art. 197; offering pornography to under-16s is punishable by up to three years or a fine.
Adult content law
Legal for adults; performers must be 18, and pornography involving minors, animals or violence is banned.
Good to know
The youth protection law for films and video games (JSFVG) foresees age checks for on-demand and platform services, but timing and coverage of pornographic sites were not confirmed.

This entry could not be fully confirmed. Check the sources before relying on it.

Sources

Thailand Adult content prohibited Criminal Code section 287; Computer Crime Act section 14(4)
Law
Criminal Code section 287; Computer Crime Act section 14(4)
Applies to
Producing, trading or distributing pornography, and uploading obscene data accessible to the public, are offences.
Enforcement
Royal Thai Police; up to three years' prison under section 287 and up to five years under the Computer Crime Act.
Adult content law
Creating and selling pornography is illegal, and police have warned OnlyFans creators; possessing adult pornography is not illegal.

Sources

Turkey Adult content prohibited Turkish Penal Code, Article 226 (obscenity)
Law
Turkish Penal Code, Article 226 (obscenity)
Applies to
Obscene content is criminalised and adult platforms, including OnlyFans since June 2023, are blocked by court order.
Enforcement
Criminal courts order blocking, carried out through the telecoms authority BTK; Article 226 carries prison sentences.
Adult content law
Publishing or selling obscene content risks prosecution under Article 226; creators have been detained on obscenity and money-laundering charges.
Good to know
Article 226 does not define obscenity clearly, so the scope of the ban is partly a matter of enforcement practice.

Sources

United Arab Emirates Adult content prohibited Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes, Article 34
Law
Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes, Article 34
Applies to
All pornography and nudity is prohibited content that internet providers must block.
Enforcement
TDRA directs blocking by internet providers; Article 34 offences carry imprisonment and fines of AED 250,000 to 500,000.
Adult content law
Producing, hosting, transmitting or distributing pornographic material is a crime.

Sources

United Kingdom In force Online Safety Act 2023, Part 5 (s. 81) and Part 3 (s. 12)
Law
Online Safety Act 2023, Part 5 (s. 81) and Part 3 (s. 12)
In effect from
17 January 2025
Applies to
Services publishing their own pornography (Part 5) and user-to-user services allowing pornography (Part 3), wherever based, if they have links to the UK.
Accepted methods
Age verification or estimation that is highly effective, such as photo ID matching, facial age estimation, credit card, open banking or mobile operator checks; self-declaration is not sufficient.
Enforcement
Ofcom; fines up to GBP 18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, daily penalties, and court-ordered business disruption measures.
Adult content law
Legal for adults to produce and sell, but possession of extreme pornography is criminal and the Crime and Policing Act 2026 adds strangulation and incest pornography offences.
Good to know
Part 5 duties applied from 17 January 2025 and Part 3 user-generated pornography duties from 25 July 2025.

Sources

No country matches this filter.

United States, by state

State laws requiring commercial websites with adult content to verify the age of visitors. The US Supreme Court upheld the Texas law in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton on 27 June 2025.

Alabama In force HB 164 (Ala. Code § 8-19G-1 et seq.)
Law
HB 164 (Ala. Code § 8-19G-1 et seq.)
In effect from
1 October 2024
Applies to
Commercial adult websites where more than one third of content is sexual material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Any commercially available reasonable age-verification method giving reasonable assurance the user is 18 or older.
Enforcement
Injured individuals may sue for damages; the Attorney General may seek civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
Good to know
The act also requires health warnings and imposes a 10 percent tax on adult site gross receipts.

Sources

Alaska No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Alaska.

Good to know
HB 254 passed the House in April 2024 but died in the Senate; no adult-site bill was pending as of September 2026.

Sources

Arizona In force HB 2112, Laws 2025 ch. 193 (A.R.S. § 18-701)
Law
HB 2112, Laws 2025 ch. 193 (A.R.S. § 18-701)
In effect from
26 September 2025
Applies to
Commercial websites, including social media platforms, where more than one third of material is sexual material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Digital identification, or a commercial system using government-issued ID or public or private transactional data.
Enforcement
Private civil action only; courts may award up to $10,000 per day, plus up to $250,000 if a minor accessed the material.
Good to know
A 2026 bill (HB 2991) adding an anonymous verification option passed the House; its final outcome was not confirmed.

Sources

Arkansas In force SB 66, Act 612 of 2023
Law
SB 66, Act 612 of 2023
Applies to
Commercial websites, excluding social media platforms, where roughly one third or more of content is material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Government-issued or digitized ID, or a commercially reasonable method meeting Identity Assurance Level 2.
Enforcement
Civil liability to individuals for damages, court costs and attorney fees.
Good to know
Sources give the effective date as 31 July or 1 August 2023 and disagree on whether the Attorney General can also enforce.

Sources

California No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for California.

Good to know
AB 1043 (Digital Age Assurance Act, effective 2027-01-01) is a device and app-store age-signal law that does not apply to adult websites.

Sources

Colorado No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Colorado.

Good to know
SB25-201 and HCR26-1002 both failed; SB26-051 (signed June 2026) is an operating-system age-attestation law, not a website law.

Sources

Connecticut No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Connecticut.

Good to know
No adult-site law; Public Act 26-15 (2026) addresses social media feeds for minors, effective 2028.

Sources

Delaware No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Delaware.

Good to know
HB 265 passed the House in June 2024 but died in the Senate; no successor bill found.

Sources

District of Columbia No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for District of Columbia.

Good to know
One tracker found no DC bill on the subject; another listed DC as having pending legislation in April 2026 without naming a bill.

This entry could not be fully confirmed. Check the sources before relying on it.

Sources

Florida In force HB 3 (Fla. Stat. §§ 501.1737, 501.1738)
Law
HB 3 (Fla. Stat. §§ 501.1737, 501.1738)
In effect from
1 January 2025
Applies to
Commercial websites where more than one third of material is harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Users must be offered an anonymous age verification option or a standard age verification method.
Enforcement
Attorney General may seek civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation; a private action for a minor's access also exists.
Good to know
The Attorney General sued Aylo (Pornhub) and other operators under the law in September 2025.

Sources

Georgia In force SB 351, Act 463 of 2024 (O.C.G.A. § 39-5-5)
Law
SB 351, Act 463 of 2024 (O.C.G.A. § 39-5-5)
In effect from
1 July 2025
Applies to
Commercial entities publishing on a public website where more than 33.33% of content is material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Digitized ID card, government-issued ID, or a commercially reasonable method meeting NIST Identity Assurance Level 2.
Enforcement
Attorney General, solicitors general and district attorneys may seek fines up to $10,000 per violation; private damages actions are also allowed.
Good to know
The adult-site provision is not enjoined; the injunction in NetChoice v. Carr covers only the act's social media provisions.

Sources

Hawaii No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Hawaii.

Good to know
HB 1212 and HB 1198 died when the 2026 session adjourned on 8 May 2026.

Sources

Idaho In force HB 498, 2024 Session Laws ch. 113 (Idaho Code § 6-3801 et seq.)
Law
HB 498, 2024 Session Laws ch. 113 (Idaho Code § 6-3801 et seq.)
In effect from
1 July 2024
Applies to
Websites where more than one third of total material is harmful to minors.
Enforcement
Private right of action only, with statutory damages of at least $10,000 per violation plus costs and attorney fees.

Sources

Illinois Proposed SB 3945 (Adult Content Age Verification Act) - pending bill
Law
SB 3945 (Adult Content Age Verification Act) - pending bill
Good to know
SB 3945 was re-referred to Assignments in May 2026; Public Act 104-0664 (effective 2028) covers social media and device age signals only.

Sources

Indiana In force SB 17 (Ind. Code ch. 24-4-23)
Law
SB 17 (Ind. Code ch. 24-4-23)
In effect from
1 July 2024
Applies to
Adult-oriented websites where at least one third of images and videos are material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
A reasonable age verification method; trackers list government ID, transactional data or a third-party service.
Enforcement
Attorney General may seek injunctions and civil penalties up to $250,000; parents may sue for actual or statutory damages.
Good to know
A preliminary injunction was stayed by the Seventh Circuit in August 2024 and later vacated; the Attorney General sued Aylo in December 2025.

Sources

Iowa In force HF 864, 2026 Iowa Acts ch. 1143 (Iowa Code ch. 554J)
Law
HF 864, 2026 Iowa Acts ch. 1143 (Iowa Code ch. 554J)
In effect from
1 July 2026
Applies to
Websites, apps or segments where 33% or more of publicly available content is pornographic for minors.
Accepted methods
Digital identification, a commercially reasonable method using transactional data, or a method approved by Attorney General rule.
Enforcement
Attorney General only; civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, capped at $10,000 per day, with no private right of action.
Good to know
Signed 1 June 2026.

Sources

Kansas In force SB 394, L. 2024 ch. 28 (K.S.A. 50-6,146)
Law
SB 394, L. 2024 ch. 28 (K.S.A. 50-6,146)
In effect from
1 July 2024
Applies to
Commercial websites where material harmful to minors appears on 25% or more of webpages viewed in a calendar month.
Accepted methods
A commercially available database used for age and identity verification, or another commercially reasonable method.
Enforcement
Attorney General civil penalties of $500 to $10,000 per violation; parents may sue for statutory damages of at least $50,000.
Good to know
The 25% threshold is lower than the one-third threshold used in most states.

Sources

Kentucky In force HB 278, 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 106 (KRS 436.001 to 436.009)
Law
HB 278, 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 106 (KRS 436.001 to 436.009)
In effect from
15 July 2024
Applies to
Covered platforms publishing internet material of which more than one third is matter harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Reasonable age verification performed by the platform or a third party; trackers list government ID and transactional data.
Enforcement
Private civil action only: $10,000 per instance plus actual damages, costs and attorney fees.

Sources

Louisiana In force HB 142, Act 440 of 2022 (La. R.S. 9:2800.29); Act 216 of 2023 (La. R.S. 51:2121)
Law
HB 142, Act 440 of 2022 (La. R.S. 9:2800.29); Act 216 of 2023 (La. R.S. 51:2121)
In effect from
1 January 2023
Applies to
Commercial websites where more than 33 1/3% of total material is material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Digitized identification card, or a commercial system using government-issued ID or public or private transactional data.
Enforcement
Private damages actions; the Attorney General may seek up to $5,000 per day plus $10,000 per knowing violation.
Good to know
First US state to adopt such a law; the effective date shown is for Act 440.

Sources

  • Louisiana State Legislature. RS 9:2800.29. Official source.
  • Louisiana State Legislature. RS 51:2121. Official source.
Maine No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Maine.

Good to know
LD 1873 (2025) died between the chambers in June 2025; no later bill found.

Sources

Maryland No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Maryland.

Good to know
HB 908 was withdrawn by its sponsor on 16 March 2026 and similar HB 693 did not advance beyond a House hearing.

Sources

Massachusetts No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Massachusetts.

Good to know
H.1626 was sent to a study order in March 2026, effectively shelving it; pending bills S.2581 and S.3164 concern social media only.

Sources

Michigan Proposed SB 191 (2025) - pending bill
Law
SB 191 (2025) - pending bill
Good to know
SB 191 has sat in committee since March 2025; HB 4429 and SB 284 propose a device-based approach instead.

Sources

Minnesota No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Minnesota.

Good to know
HF 1434 and SF 2105 did not pass in the 2025-2026 session; a House motion to recall HF 1434 failed 67-67 in March 2026.

Sources

Mississippi In force SB 2346 (2023) (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-77-1 et seq.)
Law
SB 2346 (2023) (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-77-1 et seq.)
In effect from
1 July 2023
Applies to
Commercial websites where more than 33 1/3% of total material is material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Digitized identification card, or a commercial system using government-issued ID or public or private transactional data.
Enforcement
Private civil liability to individuals for damages, court costs and attorney fees; no state enforcement agency is named.
Good to know
A separate 2024 law, HB 1126, covers social media age verification and is in litigation.

Sources

Missouri In force HB 1839 (2026) (RSMo § 407.3405); Attorney General rule 15 CSR 60-18
Law
HB 1839 (2026) (RSMo § 407.3405); Attorney General rule 15 CSR 60-18
In effect from
28 August 2026
Applies to
Commercial websites where about one third or more of material is harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Statute: government ID, transactional data or a third-party verifier; the rule also accepts digital identification.
Enforcement
Attorney General; up to $10,000 per day, plus up to $250,000 if a minor accessed the material.
Good to know
The Attorney General's rule has applied since 2025-11-30; the statute was signed in July 2026 and took effect 2026-08-28.

Sources

Montana In force SB 544 (Mont. Code Ann. § 30-14-159)
Law
SB 544 (Mont. Code Ann. § 30-14-159)
In effect from
1 January 2024
Applies to
Commercial entities that knowingly publish material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
Digitized ID card, or a commercial system using government-issued ID or a commercially reasonable method based on transactional data.
Enforcement
Private civil action only: liability to individuals for damages, court costs and attorney fees; no state enforcement mechanism.
Good to know
Amended in 2025 (Ch. 199, L. 2025); a federal challenge was reportedly dismissed for lack of standing in August 2025.

Sources

Nebraska In force LB 1092, Online Age Verification Liability Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 87-1001 to 87-1005)
Law
LB 1092, Online Age Verification Liability Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 87-1001 to 87-1005)
In effect from
19 July 2024
Applies to
Commercial entities that knowingly publish material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
Digitized ID card, government-issued ID, a financial document or other reliable proxy for age, or a commercially reasonable method using transactional data.
Enforcement
Private civil action by aggrieved persons, including minors and parents, for damages and, at the court's discretion, attorney fees.
Good to know
Sources give the effective date as 18 or 19 July 2024; 19 July is used here.

Sources

Nevada No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Nevada.

Good to know
Two trackers reviewed in mid-2026 list no enacted adult-site age-verification law; the legislature next meets in 2027.

Sources

New Hampshire No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for New Hampshire.

Good to know
SB 648 (2026) passed the Senate but the House voted it inexpedient to legislate on 14 May 2026.

Sources

New Jersey Proposed S 1826 / A 3228 (2026-2027 session, pending)
Law
S 1826 / A 3228 (2026-2027 session, pending)
Applies to
Bill would cover websites where more than one third of revenue, user accounts or content on a single account is obscene.
Accepted methods
Bill would allow state digital ID systems, commercial third-party services or the website's own systems.
Enforcement
Bill would make failure to verify a third-degree crime with an added civil penalty of up to $50,000.
Good to know
S 1826 was in Senate Judiciary Committee as of August 2026; not enacted.

Sources

New Mexico No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for New Mexico.

Good to know
HB 44 (2025), a website age-verification bill, died in committee; no enacted law found.

Sources

New York Proposed S3591 / A3946 (2025-2026 session)
Law
S3591 / A3946 (2025-2026 session)
Applies to
Bill would cover internet pornography websites.
Enforcement
Bill would set civil penalties of up to $50,000 per day.
Good to know
S3591 was defeated in the Senate Internet and Technology Committee on 21 May 2026; no law enacted.

Sources

North Carolina In force HB 8, PAVE Act (S.L. 2023-132; N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 66, art. 51)
Law
HB 8, PAVE Act (S.L. 2023-132; N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 66, art. 51)
In effect from
1 January 2024
Applies to
Commercial entities that knowingly publish material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
A commercially available database, or another commercially reasonable method of age and identity verification.
Enforcement
Private civil action by parents, guardians or affected individuals for damages and attorney fees; no state enforcement agency designated.

Sources

North Dakota In force HB 1561 (2025; N.D. Cent. Code ch. 51-07)
Law
HB 1561 (2025; N.D. Cent. Code ch. 51-07)
In effect from
1 August 2025
Applies to
Commercial entities that knowingly publish material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
Digitized ID card, a commercial age verification system including government-issued ID, or a commercially reasonable method using transactional data.
Enforcement
Private civil action by a parent or guardian, or a person whose data was retained, for injunction, compensatory and exemplary damages, and fees.
Good to know
Sources conflict on whether companion SB 2380 (2025) is a device-based law or a near-identical site-based one.

Sources

Ohio In force HB 96 (Ohio Rev. Code § 1349.10)
Law
HB 96 (Ohio Rev. Code § 1349.10)
In effect from
30 September 2025
Applies to
Organizations providing obscene or harmful-to-juveniles material online, including those deriving a significant or substantial portion of business from it; no numeric threshold.
Accepted methods
A commercial age verification system using photo identification or public or private transactional data; account holders must be re-verified every two years.
Enforcement
Attorney General sends violation notices with 45 days to comply, then may file a civil lawsuit.
Good to know
Statute exempts interactive computer service providers; the Attorney General said in October 2025 that 1 of 20 major sites reviewed complied.

Sources

Oklahoma In force SB 1959 (Okla. Stat. tit. 15, §§ 791 to 791.4)
Law
SB 1959 (Okla. Stat. tit. 15, §§ 791 to 791.4)
In effect from
1 November 2024
Applies to
Commercial entities that knowingly publish material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
Digitized ID card, a third-party service checking commercial databases, or a commercially reasonable method using transactional data.
Enforcement
Attorney General may seek injunctions; a minor's parent or guardian may sue for damages, court costs and attorney fees.
Good to know
Sites must also let internet and cellular subscribers request blocking of access to covered material.

Sources

Oregon No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Oregon.

Good to know
HB 2032 (2025) died in committee at adjournment on 27 June 2025; no enacted law found.

Sources

Pennsylvania Proposed SB 603 and HB 1513 (2025-2026 session, pending)
Law
SB 603 and HB 1513 (2025-2026 session, pending)
Applies to
Bills would impose liability on publishers of material harmful to minors that do not verify age.
Accepted methods
SB 603 would allow a commercially available age and identity database or transactional data.
Enforcement
SB 603 would be enforced through private lawsuits.
Good to know
Sources conflict: one tracker lists Senate second consideration of SB 603 on 29 September 2026, another shows it still in committee.

Sources

Rhode Island No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Rhode Island.

Good to know
No adult-site law found; 2026 bill HB 7746 concerns social-type platforms rather than adult sites specifically.

Sources

South Carolina In force H.3424, Act 198 of 2024 (S.C. Code § 37-1-310)
Law
H.3424, Act 198 of 2024 (S.C. Code § 37-1-310)
In effect from
1 January 2025
Applies to
Commercial entities that knowingly publish material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
Digitized ID card, a third-party service checking commercially available databases, or a commercially reasonable method using transactional data.
Enforcement
Attorney General may seek injunctive relief; minors through a parent or guardian may sue for damages, costs, attorney fees and punitive damages.
Good to know
Act was signed 21 May 2024; the age-verification requirement began 1 January 2025.

Sources

South Dakota In force HB 1053 (2025; SDCL §§ 22-24-69 to 22-24-72)
Law
HB 1053 (2025; SDCL §§ 22-24-69 to 22-24-72)
In effect from
1 July 2025
Applies to
Covered platforms whose regular course of business includes creating, hosting or making available material harmful to minors; no percentage threshold.
Accepted methods
State driver's licence or ID card, bank account information, an adult's debit or credit card, or another reliable and accurate method.
Enforcement
Class 1 misdemeanor, Class 6 felony if repeated; Attorney General may seek up to $5,000 per instance after a 90-day cure notice.

Sources

Tennessee In force SB 1792 / HB 1614, Protect Tennessee Minors Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-911 et seq.)
Law
SB 1792 / HB 1614, Protect Tennessee Minors Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-911 et seq.)
In effect from
1 January 2025
Applies to
Websites where one third or more of total content is material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Government-issued ID or transactional data, with re-verification after sessions of at most 60 minutes.
Enforcement
Violations are a Class C felony; the Attorney General may bring actions and individuals may sue for damages.
Good to know
Sixth Circuit vacated a preliminary injunction on 4 November 2025; the challenge reportedly continues in district court.

Sources

Texas In force HB 1181 (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 129B)
Law
HB 1181 (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 129B)
In effect from
1 September 2023
Applies to
Commercial entities publishing sexual material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
Digital identification, or a commercial system using government-issued ID or a commercially reasonable method based on transactional data.
Enforcement
Attorney General may seek up to $10,000 per day, $10,000 per instance of retained data, and up to $250,000 if a minor gains access.
Good to know
The US Supreme Court upheld the law in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton on 27 June 2025.

Sources

Utah In force SB 287 (2023), amended by SB 73 (2026) (Utah Code §§ 78B-3-1001 to 78B-3-1008)
Law
SB 287 (2023), amended by SB 73 (2026) (Utah Code §§ 78B-3-1001 to 78B-3-1008)
In effect from
3 May 2023
Applies to
Commercial entities that knowingly publish material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
Digitized ID card, a third-party service checking commercial databases, transactional data, or a process set by Division of Consumer Protection rule.
Enforcement
Division of Consumer Protection may fine up to $2,500 per violation; individuals may sue for damages, costs and attorney fees.
Good to know
SB 73 took effect 6 May 2026; its VPN actual-location provision was preliminarily enjoined on 24 September 2026, the core duty was not.

Sources

Vermont No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Vermont.

Good to know
No adult-site bill found; Vermont's Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (Act 63 of 2025) is a general design and privacy law.

Sources

Virginia In force SB 1515 (2023 Acts ch. 811; Va. Code § 8.01-40.5)
Law
SB 1515 (2023 Acts ch. 811; Va. Code § 8.01-40.5)
In effect from
1 July 2023
Applies to
Commercial entities that knowingly publish material harmful to minors on a website where more than one third of the material is of that kind.
Accepted methods
A commercially available database used for age and identity verification, or another commercially reasonable age and identity verification method.
Enforcement
Civil liability for damages resulting from a minor's access, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Sources

Washington No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Washington.

Good to know
HB 2112 (2026), a one-third threshold age-verification bill, had a January 2026 hearing but no enactment was found.

Sources

West Virginia In force HB 4412 (2026; W. Va. Code §§ 49A-1-101 to 49A-1-107)
Law
HB 4412 (2026; W. Va. Code §§ 49A-1-101 to 49A-1-107)
In effect from
12 June 2026
Applies to
Websites where more than one third of content is material harmful to minors.
Accepted methods
Government-issued ID or transactional data; the state Office of Technology may make rules on specifics.
Enforcement
Private action for actual damages plus up to $10,000 per violation; Attorney General may seek $10,000 per day and up to $250,000.
Good to know
Signed by the Governor on 2 April 2026.

Sources

Wisconsin No specific law

No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found for Wisconsin.

Good to know
AB 105 passed the legislature but Governor Evers vetoed it on 3 April 2026 and an override reportedly failed on 13 May 2026.

Sources

Wyoming In force HB 43, Enrolled Act 70 of 2025 (Wyo. Stat. §§ 14-3-501 to 14-3-504)
Law
HB 43, Enrolled Act 70 of 2025 (Wyo. Stat. §§ 14-3-501 to 14-3-504)
In effect from
1 July 2025
Applies to
Website operators that in the regular course of business create, host or make available material harmful to minors; no percentage threshold.
Accepted methods
Driver's licence or ID card, US passport or military card, tribal ID, an adult's credit or debit card, or another reliable method.
Enforcement
Private civil action only: parents or guardians may recover damages, fees and $5,000 per failure to verify; the state may not enforce.

Sources

No state matches this filter.

What the statuses mean

In force
A legal duty for adult websites to verify age is in effect.
Passed, not yet in force
The law has been enacted but its duties have not started.
Blocked by a court
The law was enacted but a court has suspended it.
Proposed
A bill or consultation is pending. Nothing is in effect.
No specific law
No law specifically requiring adult websites to verify age was found. General laws may still apply.
Adult content prohibited
Producing or distributing pornography online is broadly illegal or blocked, so age verification is not the question.

Frequently asked questions

It is a law that requires websites publishing adult content to check that a visitor is an adult before showing that content. A click-through "I am 18" button does not satisfy these laws. They typically require a check against a government ID, a digital ID, transactional data such as a credit card, or facial age estimation.

In this dataset, 27 of 51 US jurisdictions (50 states and the District of Columbia) have an age-verification law for adult websites in force, 5 have a bill pending, and 19 have no such law. Figures were last checked on 9 October 2026.

The US Supreme Court upheld the Texas law, HB 1181, in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton on 27 June 2025. The decision concerned the Texas law; other states' laws differ in their details.

In most places the duty falls on whoever operates the website or service, not on an individual creator selling through a platform. A creator who runs their own website with adult content may be covered directly. The "Applies to" line for each jurisdiction says which services are in scope.

Most US state laws cover commercial websites where a substantial portion of the content, often defined as more than one third, is sexual material harmful to minors. The exact threshold and definitions differ by state.

In some countries the production or distribution of pornography is broadly prohibited or blocked, so the question is not age verification but legality. In this dataset 8 countries are marked "Adult content prohibited". Each entry gives the law and its sources.

Every entry lists its sources and whether each is an official source or a third-party one. The dataset was last checked on 9 October 2026. This area of law changes often, so confirm the current position before relying on it. This page is general information, not legal advice.

This page is general information for creators and site owners, not legal advice. Laws in this area change frequently and their application depends on your circumstances. Check the linked sources and take professional advice before making decisions.

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