AVS & YOU

You’re may be curious about age verification laws for websites, and that’s a smart thing to look into, especially with all the new regulations popping up.

It’s a hot topic, but the basic idea is pretty simple: governments want to make sure (as best they think they can) that minors are not watching adult content.

The following is a LOT! But we encourage you to read through it. And post questions or comments!

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Protecting Minors and Explicit Content

The biggest push for strict age verification is usually aimed at websites with sexually explicit content (often called “adult content”).

• The Goal: Laws, especially in the US (on a state-by-state basis) and in parts of Europe, are requiring these sites to do more than just ask, “Are you over 18?” and let you click “Yes.”
• The Methods: Now, for adult content, many places mandate “reasonable” methods to truly confirm a user’s age. This can involve:
  • Using a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license).
  • Checking against public or private data through a third-party service.
• The Debate: This is where things get tricky. While everyone agrees kids should be protected, many people worry about the privacy and security of uploading sensitive ID to a website or third-party service. There are also concerns about these laws impacting free speech.

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Protecting Kids’ Data (COPPA & GDPR)

Beyond adult content, there are major laws that focus on how websites handle data collected from children. These are less about blocking access and more about privacy.

The Main Rule: If a child is below that age (which individual EU countries can lower, but typically not below 13), the site must get parental consent.

🇺🇸 COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act):

The Focus: This is a U.S. federal law. If a website or app is directed at kids under 13, or if a general site knowingly collects personal info from someone under 13, they have to follow strict rules.

The Main Rule: The biggest requirement is that the site must get verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information (like a full name, email, or photo) from the child.

🇪🇺 GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation):

The Focus: This applies across the European Union. When relying on a user’s consent to process their data, the standard age of digital consent is 16.

States in the USA with enacted laws

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Florida Georgia Idaho Indiana Kansas Kentucky

Louisiana Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma

South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Wyoming

How the laws work

Some states have introduced variations, such as Tennessee requiring users to re-verify their age every 60 minutes. 

Most laws require websites with “substantial portions” of adult content to verify a user’s age before granting them access.

Operators must use commercial age verification systems. These can include checking a user’s government-issued ID or using “public or private transactional data” to confirm their age.

The specific effective dates vary by state, but many have become active throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Countries with nation-wide enacted laws

• France: Requires age verification, with systems like AI-based methods and document checks being used to ensure users are of age.
• Italy: Mandates age verification for adult content, with the law taking effect in November 2025.
• Germany: Requires adult websites to use age verification methods like ID checks, credit card verification, or third-party apps.
• United Kingdom: Has implemented laws requiring age verification, with mandatory methods including photo ID, AI-based facial recognition, or bank account/digital wallet checks.
• European Union: The Digital Services Act (DSA) requires major adult websites to verify user ages. 

What system does TIM use?

We are currently using AGE CHECKER, which often will verify a visitor instantly, based on the information inputted. Sometimes Age Checker cannot verify instantly, and an ID may be required.

What can we do about this?

Stay Informed!

Here is a list of the AVS bills presently active, and proposed:

TAKE ACTION!

Band together with other residents of your territory.

Contact your legislatures

Learn about how to best protect both minors and respect privacy online.

Volunteer and donate to organizations fighting to protect you.

For more information, visit this informative site!

https://www.defendonlineprivacy.com/action

Did you read all that? Then you deserve a treat! Here’s some hot dick in hole and a cream pie for ya!