What is a VPN?
VPN stands for virtual private data pipe.
It’s like connecting to the internet through a hidden tunnel rather than being out in the open.
VPNs aren’t just a potential way to access banned or explicit material.
Many people rely on them for privacy and to protect high-value or sensitive personal and business data.
What about a proxy?
A proxy server is another way to skip around regional restrictions.
The bill is focused on preventing minors younger than 14 from becoming social media account holders.
Users must prove they are 18 or older.
Websites that fail to comply are subject to penalties of up to $50,000 per violation.
Florida’s age verification requirement is part of a trend of states that have passed or implemented similar mandates.
The movement began in earnest in 2022 when Louisiana passed age verification requirements.
Pornhub’s decision was apparent in a2024 year-in-review blog postthat included a map of popular search terms by state.
The states Pornhub no longer services appeared grayed out on the US map.
CNET didn’t immediately hear back from Pornhub’s parent company Aylo about a request for comment.
VpnMentor saw similar spikes when Pornhub’s state bans launched inUtahin 2023 andTexasin 2024.
Taking it to the Supreme Court
State-level age verification laws are facing legal challenges.
The adult industry trade association Free Speech Coalition is active in battling age verification laws.
A national precedent for state age verification laws may soon be set.
The Supreme Court agreed to take up the Free Speech Coalition’s case against the Texas law.
The court heard oral arguments on Jan. 15.
It can take months for the Supreme Court to release a decision.
Not all VPNs are created equal.
CNET generally doesn’t recommend free VPN services.
When evaluating a VPN, consider privacy standards, speeds and price.Check out CNET’s top VPN recommendations.
Age verification laws continue to be a battleground.
VPNs will remain a hot topic, whether in relation to online pornography, general privacy or TikTok.
