Florida Sues Major Porn Platforms Over Age Verification Compliance
Florida has initiated legal proceedings against several prominent adult websites, including Xvideos and Bang Bros, citing non-compliance with state age verification laws.
This week, Attorney General James Usmier announced the state’s action targeting companies associated with well-known platforms such as XVIDEOS, XNXX, BANG BROS, and GOIRL GONE WILD, alongside the advertising network TrafficFactory. The lawsuit claims that some of these companies, particularly those based outside the United States, have failed to adhere to Florida’s HB3 regulations. These laws are designed to verify that users are over 18 before granting access to explicit content. Additionally, the companies are accused of breaching Florida’s laws pertaining to unfair and deceptive trade practices.
Starting January 1, 2025, Florida will join 19 other states enforcing mandatory age checks on pornographic websites. At present, 29 states have similar laws or are in the process of implementing them, although attempts to pass the age verification law have stalled in eight other states. Proponents argue that such legislation is crucial in safeguarding children from exposure to inappropriate adult materials online.
Some other porn sites take a different route regarding age verification, opting to prevent state services instead, rather than effectively shielding minors from accessing adult content.
Usmier, a father himself, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating: “Several porn companies are infringing upon Florida’s age verification laws by allowing children to access harmful and explicit material. This is wholly unacceptable.”
On the other hand, critics of these age verification laws contend they are invasive, ineffective, and pose threats to constitutionally protected speech. The Free Speech Coalition, along with other judicial entities, including the sex education platform O.school and adult retailer Adam & Eve, took legal action against Florida’s law in December 2024.
Alison Borden, executive director of Free Speech, criticized the legislation, claiming, “These laws burden adults who seek to access legal sites without undue surveillance. Contrary to advocates’ claims, HB3 is not like showing IDs at liquor stores; it is invasive and carries significant privacy risks. Such laws create a significant chilling effect on discussions about sexuality.”
The coalition withdrew its case against Florida in June 2025 following a Supreme Court ruling upholding a similar law in Texas. Yet, Mike Stabile, director of public policy for the Free Speech Union, continues to monitor the state’s efforts to restrict adult internet access. “Paxton’s decision shouldn’t allow the government to impose censorship on content they find objectionable,” Stabile remarked.
