Google VPN searches spiked in Texas after Pornhub disabled access in the state on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
People started looking for virtual private networks (VPNs) after Pornhub blocked access to users in Texas due to the state’s age verification law. Pornographic sites are required to include measures to ensure that only people over the age of 18 can use the website. according to variety. The outlet noted that VPNs create an encrypted connection between the internet and users, allowing users to hide their location and appear to be accessing the internet from another state or country. .
Twenty metropolitan areas in Texas were tracked by Google and showed an increase in searches, Variety reported. Worth, Houston, Austin, Waco Temple Bryan, and San Antonio were the most searched areas for VPNs last week, Dallas-Ft.
Searches for VPNs have increased over 1,500% since the block. according to Slash gear. The magazine notes that searches for him have increased by 4,750% on the popular network Proton VPN. SlashGear also saw an increase in searches for “Texas VPN,” “Pornhub blocked,” and “Pornhub shutdown.” They reported that searches for “Is porn illegal in Texas” and “How to verify your age on Pornhub” increased by more than 3,000 percent.
Due to a new state law, House Bill 1181, this porn site is no longer accessible in Texas. according to Texas scorecard. The bill would require pornographic websites to include a way for users to verify their age before accessing online content. Those who violate the law could be fined $10,000 each day, the report said. (Related: New state law requires government-issued ID to watch porn).
🚨#breaking news:PornHub just pulled out of Texas due to age verification laws pic.twitter.com/Opotcv9v7I
— RAWSALETS (@rawsalerts) March 14, 2024
“We have made the difficult decision to permanently disable access to our website in Texas.” letter Said by Pornhub. “In doing so, we will abide by the law as always, but we hope that governments around the world will actually enforce laws that protect the safety and security of our users.”
Texas Scorecard noted that Texas is not the only state to pass age verification laws. Others include Louisiana, Montana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Utah, Arkansas and Virginia.
