Missouri Implements Age Verification Law, VPN Searches Surge

In late November 2023, the state of Missouri enacted a law requiring all adult websites to implement identity verification systems. This legislation aims to prevent minors from accessing sexually explicit content. Websites that fail to comply with these regulations face potential penalties, prompting a significant increase in user searches for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass these restrictions.

Following the law’s enforcement, data from Google Trends revealed a staggering fourfold rise in VPN-related searches within Missouri. According to TechRadar, there was a 100% increase in search queries for VPN services just one day after the law took effect. Similar trends have been observed in other countries where access to certain online platforms has been restricted, leading users to seek VPNs as a solution to access blocked content.

The motivation behind the surge in VPN interest is clear. Many users are hesitant to provide personal identification, such as a state-issued ID, to access websites deemed to host “material harmful to minors.” These sites are often associated with intrusive advertisements and redirects that can expose users to malicious content. Privacy advocates have long criticized online age verification protocols, emphasizing the cybersecurity risks they pose.

The age verification requirement was established under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, which mandates websites featuring adult content to verify user identities. In a statement from the Missouri Attorney General‘s office, it was reported that PornHub, one of the largest adult websites globally, blocked access to its platform within hours of the new law’s implementation. This move aims to avoid the necessity of requesting legal identification from users to confirm their age.

While some websites comply with the law, many choose to restrict access entirely rather than invest in the infrastructure needed for secure age verification. This reluctance stems from concerns regarding user data security and the potential for hacking. As noted by Catherine L. Hanaway, Missouri’s attorney general, “If a billion-dollar corporation would rather leave Missouri than verify that children are not accessing graphic sexual content, that tells you everything you need to know about its priorities.”

Missouri’s age verification law extends beyond sexually explicit websites. It encompasses platforms where at least one-third of the hosted content is of a sexual nature. The state cites research indicating that children are first exposed to pornographic material as early as 11 or 12 years old. Such exposure can instill violent, degrading, or misogynistic ideas in young minds, leading to distorted perceptions of sexual relationships and impacting their ability to engage in healthy human interactions.

As the implications of this law unfold, the increased demand for VPN solutions highlights the tension between regulatory efforts to protect minors and the users’ desire for privacy and access to content. The ongoing debate surrounding age verification protocols continues to raise significant questions about user rights, cybersecurity, and the responsibilities of online platforms.