18verified

💜 Why 18Verified is Different From Every Other Age Verification Solution

The demand for online age verification is exploding worldwide as governments enforce stricter online safety laws. From the UK’s Online Safety Act to US state-level laws, Australia’s eSafety regulations, and the EU’s Digital Services Act, millions of websites must now verify users before granting access to 18+ content or selling age-restricted products.

But not all age verification providers are the same. In fact, most share the same fundamental flaws:
❌ High per-verification costs that cripple businesses
❌ Repeated, intrusive checks for users
❌ Storing sensitive data, creating privacy risks

18Verified is different — by design.


🚀 The First Subscription-Based Age Verification Platform

Other providers charge between £0.17 and £2.50 per verification. That means if your site gets 50,000 visitors per month, you could be paying £8,500 to £125,000 a year just for compliance.

18Verified flips the script:

  • Flat annual subscription — unlimited verifications for one low price
  • No per-user fees — scale without cost spikes
  • Predictable expenses — perfect for budgeting and growth

🔐 Privacy-First Technology — Zero Data Stored

Many verification companies store:

  • Your full name and date of birth
  • Government ID images
  • Credit card details
  • Verification logs tied to your browsing

This is dangerous. Any stored personal data can be hacked, leaked, or sold.

18Verified never stores your personal details.
Once verified, you get a secure, anonymous token — no name, no ID, no digital footprint.


🌍 One Verification — Global Access

With other providers, you might have to verify yourself over and over for each website.
With 18Verified:

  • Verify once again access to all participating websites
  • Cross-site compatibility — works for multiple industries and countries
  • Global compliance — meets regulations in the UK, USA, EU, and Australia

💼 Built for Businesses and Users Alike

Other solutions put the financial burden on businesses, while frustrating users with repeated checks.

18Verified benefits for both sides:

For Businesses:

  • Unlimited verifications under one subscription
  • Easy API or plug-and-play integration
  • Compliant with UK, US, EU, and AU regulations

For Users:

  • One quick verification, then instant access to all participating sites
  • Choose between credit card or ID verification
  • 100% confidential — no tracking, no data storage

⚡ Seamless Integration & Fast Setup

Many verification providers require complex coding and a long onboarding.
18Verified is:

  • Developer-friendly — ready-to-use API and WordPress plugin support
  • Fast to deploy — live on your site in hours, not weeks
  • Customisable — match the look and feel of your brand

📊 Why Competitors Can’t Match Us

Feature18VerifiedMost Competitors
PricingFlat subscriptionPay-per-verification
PrivacyZero data storedStores personal data & IDs
User ExperienceOne check for all sitesRepeated verification
ComplianceUK, USA, EU, AustraliaOften country-limited
IntegrationPlug-and-play & APITechnical setup required

✅ The 18Verified Promise

We’re not just another age verification gateway — we’re a movement for privacy, simplicity, and fairness.

  • Global compliance without the global costs
  • User-first design that respects privacy
  • Business-friendly model that scales

If you want a smarter, safer, and more affordable way to comply with the law, the choice is clear.


🔒 One verification. Unlimited access. Total privacy.
👉 Join 18Verified today

🔒 18Verified — The Smarter, Privacy-First Age Verification Solution

As online safety laws tighten worldwide, age verification is no longer optional — it’s a legal requirement for businesses in industries like adult content, vaping, gambling, alcohol sales, and more. But not all solutions are equal. Many third-party age verification gateways store sensitive user information, charge businesses high per-verification fees, and create unnecessary privacy risks.

18Verified changes that.

We’ve built the first subscription-based age verification network that protects user privacy, stores zero personal data, and offers flat, predictable pricing for businesses — no matter how many verifications you run.


🌍 Why Global Age Verification is Changing the Game

In 2025, countries around the world — including the UK, USA, Australia, France, Spain, and Germany — began enforcing strict online age verification laws. These rules mean that to access 18+ content or buy age-restricted products online, users must prove their age before entering a site.

For businesses, failing to comply means fines, legal action, and loss of reputation. For users, it means repeated intrusive checks and handing over sensitive ID details to multiple companies.


💜 How 18Verified Works

With 18Verified, the process is simple:

1️⃣ User chooses to verify via credit card or government-issued photo ID.
2️⃣ Our AI-powered system confirms age instantly.
3️⃣ A secure, anonymous token is issued — no personal data is stored.
4️⃣ The user can access all participating websites without having to verify again.


🚀 Benefits for Businesses

  • Flat annual subscription — no costly per-verification fees
  • Unlimited verifications — scale without extra costs
  • Global compliance — one solution for UK, EU, USA, and Australia
  • Easy integration — API or plug-and-play options for websites

🔐 Benefits for Users

  • Verify once, access everywhere — no repeated checks
  • No tracking, no data storage, no digital footprint
  • Private and secure — 100% confidential verification
  • Affordable — just £1 for credit card verification

📈 Why Businesses Are Switching to 18Verified

Traditional age verification providers charge between £0.17 and £2.50 per verification. For a site with 50,000 monthly visitors, that’s £8,500 to £125,000 a year — just to stay compliant.

With 18Verified, businesses pay one fixed cost, protecting their margins while still meeting legal requirements in multiple countries.


🌐 Industries That Need Age Verification

  • Adult content & escort services
  • Online vape & tobacco retailers
  • Alcohol delivery services
  • Gambling platforms
  • Live streaming platforms
  • CBD retailers

If your site offers products or services for adults, you need a robust, compliant, and user-friendly age verification system.


💡 Why Privacy Matters in Age Verification

Some third-party providers store copies of your ID, track your visits, or share your data with partners. This is a serious privacy risk and leaves both users and businesses exposed to data breaches.

At 18Verified, we store zero data after verification is complete. We can’t share what we don’t keep.


✅ The 18Verified Promise

  • Global compliance with privacy-first technology
  • No hidden fees — one subscription covers it all
  • Fast integration for businesses in any niche
  • Total control for users, minimal costs for businesses

🔒 Verify once. Access everywhere. Stay compliant.
👉 Get started with 18Verified today

🔍 The Hidden Risks of Third-Party Age Verification Gateways Storing Your Data

Age verification is now mandatory across the UK, USA, EU and Australia. But some third-party gateways collect and store sensitive information, creating privacy risks for users and raising costs for businesses. Here’s what’s happening and how a privacy-first alternative works.

What Some Gateways Collect and Store

Depending on the provider, users may be asked for:

  • Full name and date of birth
  • Address, phone number and email
  • Credit/debit card details
  • Government-issued photo ID (front/back)
  • Selfie images and verification attempt logs

When copies of IDs and logs are retained, they can be exposed in a breach or reused for profiling and marketing.

How That Data Can Be Used

  • Shared or sold to advertising and data partners
  • Behavioural profiles built from verification logs
  • Retention beyond necessity, increasing exposure risk
  • “Anonymised” data reuse for analytics (sometimes re-identifiable)

Even with “secure” systems, any stored personal data is a target. Age-verification databases are particularly attractive to attackers.

Legal Fine Print: Where Users Lose Control

Under GDPR and similar laws, companies must state what they collect, why, and for how long. In practice, many policies:

  • Bury key details in long, complex terms
  • Default to broad “research/analytics” permissions
  • Keep data longer than strictly necessary

18Verified: A Privacy-First Alternative

  • Zero data stored after verification — no ID images kept
  • Private token confirms age across participating sites
  • No tracking, no sharing, no ads
  • Verify once via credit card or government ID; reuse everywhere
  • Flat, predictable pricing for businesses — no per-verification costs

Get Verified

Why This Matters Now

With age-assurance laws expanding globally, millions of users will be asked to verify. Choosing a provider that stores personal data creates long-term risk. Choosing one that doesn’t store data protects users, reduces liability for websites, and keeps compliance simple.

The Future of Privacy-First Age Verification

Age verification doesn’t have to come at the expense of your privacy. At 18Verified, our mission is to give users total control over their information while helping businesses stay compliant with the law, without paying for endless per-user checks.

If you care about your online privacy, choose an age verification provider that respects it.

Key Takeaways

  • Some gateways store IDs, logs and contact details — increasing breach risk
  • Data may be repurposed for ads, analytics or profiling
  • 18Verified confirms age without keeping personal data — privacy by design

About 18Verified: A subscription-based age verification network that protects user privacy and keeps businesses compliant. One check. One login. Global compliance.

How 18Verified Is Different From Other Age Verification Solutions

🧩 How 18Verified Stands Out From Every Other Age Verification Solution on the Market

With the global rollout of stricter age verification laws across the UK, USA, EU, Australia, and beyond, businesses in 18+ industries are scrambling to find a reliable, legal, and cost-effective age verification solution.

But not all platforms are created equal.

From pay-per-check pricing traps to data-harvesting providers, many age verification systems put your business or your users at risk.

That’s where 18Verified comes in — the only age verification platform designed for business growth, user privacy, and global compliance under one flat subscription model.

If you’re comparing platforms, this blog shows exactly how 18Verified is different — and why it’s the only age verification system you’ll ever need.

✅ What Makes 18Verified Different?

Unlike most providers that follow outdated or exploitative models, 18Verified was built with three priorities:

  1. User privacy first
  2. No cost per verification
  3. Simple setup for all websites

We deliver age verification for businesses that’s affordable, secure, scalable, and user-friendly — without the bloat, hidden fees, or intrusive tech of other providers.

🔍 Comparing 18Verified vs Other Age Verification Solutions

Feature18VerifiedOther Providers
Pricing model🔁 Flat-rate yearly subscription💸 Pay-per-verification
User data storage❌ No storage or retention⚠️ Often stores IDs & metadata
Setup process⚙️ Plug-and-play or full API🧱 Complex, developer-heavy
Verification methods🆔 ID, 💳 Card, 🤖 Facial recognition🆔 ID upload only (often slow)
Global compliance🌍 UK, EU, US, AU, GDPR, HEAA ready❌ Not fully compliant
Access across sites🔐 One login across all partner sites🚫 Repeat verification required
Privacy tracking🕵️‍♀️ Zero cookies, zero IP tracking❗ Cookies and third-party tracking
Business control💼 Full control and reporting🚧 Limited insight or dashboards
User trust & UX✅ Fast, no repeat uploads🧾 Friction-heavy

💡 Why Most Age Verification Tools Fail Businesses

  • 🧮 Charge per user, turning success into a financial burden
  • 🕸️ Harvest user data, opening you up to GDPR violations
  • 🐢 Slow down conversions, frustrating users with repeat uploads
  • 🌍 Lack international compliance, putting your site at legal risk
  • 🔒 Offer poor security or no transparency

That’s not just bad tech. It’s bad business.

🚀 How 18Verified Helps Your Business Grow

🛡️ Privacy-First Architecture

No cookies. No IP tracking. No stored documents. Users verify once and stay private.

💸 Flat Fee, Unlimited Use

Say goodbye to surprise charges. Our low-cost yearly subscription gives you unlimited age checks — no matter how many users you get.

⚙️ Easy Integration

Add our plug-and-play widget in minutes or use our robust API for full customization.

🌐 Global Compliance

Stay ahead of laws in the UK (Online Safety Act), EU (GDPR/AVMSD), USA (COPPA/state laws), Australia, and more.

🔄 Cross-Website Access

Once verified, users can access all participating websites in the 18Verified network — with one login and no re-verification.

🧠 Built for Businesses in High-Risk Sectors

18Verified is trusted by companies in:

  • 🔞 Adult content and classified ad platforms
  • 🍷 Alcohol delivery and sales
  • 🚬 Vape and tobacco retailers
  • 💊 CBD and cannabis stores
  • 🎰 Gambling, lottery, and betting platforms
  • 💬 Adult dating and cam sites
  • 📺 Live streaming or subscription-based communities

🔐 18Verified = Trust, Compliance, & Affordability

We’re not just another checkbox compliance tool — we’re a complete age verification ecosystem designed to:

  • ✅ Protect your users
  • ✅ Keep you legal
  • ✅ Grow your business
  • ✅ Reduce risk
  • ✅ Lower your costs

While others profit per verification, we partner with you for the long-term.

📣 Final Verdict: Why You Should Switch to 18Verified

If you’re using a pay-per-verification model, storing user data, or forcing users to re-verify on every site — you’re losing money and trust.

With 18Verified, you get:

  • ✔️ Unlimited verifications
  • ✔️ Privacy-first tech
  • ✔️ Simple setup
  • ✔️ Global legal compliance
  • ✔️ One fixed price
  • ✔️ Happy users who convert

👉 Get started with 18Verified today — the smarter, safer way to verify age online.

Private Age Verification | 18Verified

🔒 Private Age Verification with 18Verified: No Tracking, No Footprint, 100% Confidential

In a digital world where every click, scroll, and submission leaves a trace, online privacy is more important than ever — especially when verifying your age to access sensitive or age-restricted content.

That’s why 18Verified is built differently. While most age verification systems track users, store data, or sell user information to third parties, 18Verified offers private age verification with zero digital footprint.

We believe age assurance should never come at the cost of your privacy — and we’ve built our platform to prove it.

✅ Why 18Verified Is the Most Private Age Verification Solution Online

Unlike traditional platforms that log your IP, store metadata, or force users to create detailed accounts, 18Verified keeps your activity anonymous, encrypted, and confidential.

  • 🔐 We never store your ID or card details
  • 🧭 We don’t track your browsing behaviour
  • 🌍 We don’t use cookies to monitor your usage across the web
  • 🚫 No facial scans or biometric tracking
  • 🧾 We never sell or share data with third parties
  • 💳 One-time credit card or ID check — that’s it

Once you’re verified, you’re given access to all participating websites in the 18Verified network — without ever revealing your browsing habits or personal info.

🔍 How We Avoid Leaving an Internet Footprint

Most age verification services integrate tightly with ad platforms, trackers, or third-party cookies. That means users leave behind a trail of data that can be linked to their IP address, browsing behaviour, or even specific devices.

18Verified skips all of that.

🛡️ Credit Card or Government ID Check

We verify your age using a quick, encrypted check of your credit card or government-issued ID. No files are stored, and no personal data is retained on our servers.

🔒 One-Time, Secure Transaction

For card-based checks, we issue a £1 authorisation charge, immediately refunded. This confirms your card is real and held by an adult — without revealing anything else.

👤 No Personal Account Data Stored

You don’t need to create a full profile or upload sensitive data. Once verified, your token grants access — without ongoing surveillance.

🌐 No Cookie or IP Tracking

Unlike other platforms, we don’t use tracking cookies or IP logging. Your visit stays private. Always.

🔎 Why Privacy Matters More Than Ever in 2025

With the rise of AI, data harvesting, and government surveillance, users are more concerned than ever about their digital footprint — especially when accessing adult, vaping, gambling, or other age-restricted content.

Many age verification services promise safety but quietly harvest data behind the scenes.

18Verified is built on a zero-logging, privacy-first principle.

We’re not in the business of selling data. We’re in the business of protecting it.

🧠 Private Age Verification for All 18+ Sectors

Our confidential verification platform is trusted by businesses across:

  • 🔞 Adult content websites
  • 🚬 Vape and tobacco retailers
  • 🍷 Alcohol sellers
  • 🎰 Gambling platforms
  • 📹 Live cam and streaming sites
  • 💬 Adult dating communities
  • 🧬 CBD and cannabis shops
  • 💻 Forums with explicit content

💬 What Makes 18Verified a Truly Confidential Age Gate?

Feature18VerifiedMost Other Providers
Tracks User IP❌ Never✅ Often
Stores ID Documents❌ Never✅ Sometimes
Uses Tracking Cookies❌ Never✅ Commonly
Sells Data to Third Parties❌ Never✅ Frequently
Biometric or Face Scan Required❌ Optional Only✅ Often Required
Privacy-Focused Verification Token✅ Yes❌ Rare
Global Privacy Law Compliance✅ GDPR, HEAA, CCPA Ready❌ Varies

🔐 One Verification. Zero Exposure.

With 18Verified, users verify once, then gain access to multiple participating websites without the need to re-upload ID, resubmit personal information, or repeat the process.

That means less exposure, fewer risks, and total peace of mind.

✅ Final Thoughts: Choose Privacy. Choose 18Verified.

In a time where every click can be tracked, shared, and exploited — 18Verified puts your users’ privacy first.

  • ✔️ No cookies
  • ✔️ No data storage
  • ✔️ No digital footprint
  • ✔️ Just fast, easy, private age verification

👉 Whether you’re a business looking for a confidential age verification gateway or a user who values anonymity — 18Verified is the only platform that delivers both compliance and complete privacy.

Why Partnering with 18Verified Saves You Money | Age Verification Solutions

💼 Why Smart Businesses Choose to Partner with 18Verified — And Why Pay-Per-Verification is Costing You More Than You Think

As global laws tighten around online safety and age-restricted content, businesses are being forced to act. If your website features 18+ content or sells age-restricted products, you must integrate a compliant age verification system. But here’s the truth:

Pay-per-verification models are costing businesses thousands — and it’s not sustainable.

That’s why forward-thinking companies are partnering with 18Verified, the only platform offering a low-cost, flat-rate subscription model that gives you unlimited verifications, seamless integration, and global compliance.

🔍 What Is 18Verified?

18Verified is a robust, secure, and easy-to-integrate age verification gateway designed for online businesses. Whether you operate in adult content, vaping, gambling, dating, alcohol, CBD, or live-streaming — 18Verified helps you stay compliant, profitable, and protected.

With 18Verified:

  • Users verify once, get access to all participating sites
  • Businesses pay no per-user fees
  • Integration is simple — via plug-and-play or API
  • Verification is instant via Credit Card or Government ID

💸 The Hidden Costs of Pay-Per-Verification Age Checks

Most “popular” age verification providers charge businesses on a pay-per-verification basis. That means you’re billed every time a user verifies — whether they convert, bounce, or never return.

If you’re getting even 500–1000 verifications a month, these fees can quickly snowball to £1,000s annually — eating directly into your profit margins.

ModelMonthly VerificationsCost (Est.)
Pay-Per-Verification1,000 @ £0.50 each£500/month
18Verified SubscriptionUnlimited£25/month (avg)

💡 That’s a £475 saving every month — or over £5,000 a year — just by choosing 18Verified.

🤝 Why Businesses Partner with 18Verified

Partnering with 18Verified gives your business more than just compliance — it gives you a competitive edge.

✅ 1. Unlimited Verifications, One Flat Fee

Never pay for each user again. Our low annual subscription includes unlimited checks, making it ideal for high-traffic platforms.

✅ 2. Built for Global Compliance

From the UK Online Safety Act to US COPPA & state-level laws and EU GDPR, 18Verified ensures your business meets every standard — worldwide.

✅ 3. Fast Integration – No Developers Needed

Use our plug-and-play solution or full API to get set up in minutes — no tech headaches.

✅ 4. User-Friendly Experience = More Conversions

Our smooth process means no friction, no repeat uploads, no lost sales. Users verify once and log in anywhere across the network.

✅ 5. Trusted by Businesses Across Industries

From adult sites to vape stores, online alcohol sellers to live cam platforms — 18Verified is the go-to solution for businesses that need affordable, reliable age verification.

🌍 Who Should Partner with 18Verified?

Any business that operates in an age-restricted industry:

  • 🔞 Adult content or classified ads
  • 🚬 Vape & tobacco sales
  • 🍷 Alcohol delivery services
  • 🧬 CBD or cannabis products
  • 🎰 Gambling or lottery platforms
  • 💬 Adult dating or cam sites
  • 📺 18+ streaming or live shows
  • 💻 Forums or communities with explicit content

📈 Why Our Subscription Model Works

Traditional pay-per-verification models were never built to scale. Every verification eats into your bottom line — even if users don’t convert.

Our model was made with businesses in mind:

  • 🛡️ Compliant with UK, EU, US, and AU law
  • 📉 Predictable costs = no financial surprises
  • 🚀 Built to grow with your traffic
  • 🔒 100% confidential — we never store user data

💬 Real Talk: Don’t Let Greedy Gatekeepers Drain Your Budget

Other platforms profit every time a user verifies. We don’t. Instead, we empower your business to grow — with unlimited verifications, one fee, and the chance to tap into the 18Verified partner network.

✅ Partner with 18Verified Today

Stop wasting money on pay-per-verification pricing. Join the age verification platform that’s designed for long-term success, growth, and compliance.

👉 Get started now with 18Verified — verify once, grow everywhere.

Age Verification Solutions for Businesses | 18Verified

✅ Age Verification Solutions for Businesses: Stay Legal, Build Trust & Boost Profits in 2025

With global regulations tightening, age verification solutions for businesses are no longer optional — they’re mandatory. Whether you sell adult content, vaping products, alcohol, CBD, gambling services, or run an 18+ community platform, failing to verify your users’ age can lead to fines, lawsuits, or total shutdown.

This is where 18Verified leads the way, offering a fast, secure, and cost-effective age verification gateway built to help businesses comply with UK, US, EU, Australian and global laws — while protecting user privacy and maintaining conversion rates.

🔍 What Is an Age Verification Solution?

An age verification solution is a digital tool or service that checks and confirms whether a user meets the legal minimum age to access restricted content or products. This can be done through:

  • Credit card checks
  • Government-issued ID upload
  • AI facial recognition
  • Mobile network data verification
  • Third-party identity databases

18Verified gives businesses flexible verification options — letting users verify once and get access to all participating websites using a single login.

🚨 Why Businesses Need Age Verification in 2025

Governments worldwide are tightening laws to protect minors online, forcing businesses to implement robust age assurance measures. In countries like the UK, USA, France, and Australia, age verification is now legally required for:

  • Adult entertainment websites
  • Online vape retailers
  • Alcohol delivery services
  • CBD and cannabis e-commerce
  • Gambling and betting platforms
  • Live streaming services
  • Escort and classified ad websites
  • Adult dating and cam sites

If your business displays 18+ content or sells age-restricted products, you must ensure that users are verified before accessing. Non-compliance is a major risk — but 18Verified makes compliance simple.

🛡️ What Makes 18Verified the Best Age Verification Platform?

18Verified is a game-changer for businesses looking for affordable, fast, and globally compliant age verification. Here’s why:

  • No cost per verification — one low annual fee
  • Plug-and-play or full API integration
  • Verify once — users gain access to multiple sites
  • Multiple methods (ID, credit card, AI facial recognition)
  • GDPR-compliant & built for Ofcom, FTC, and HEAA regulations
  • Worldwide coverage — including UK, USA, EU, Canada, Australia
  • 100% confidential — we don’t store user data

Unlike per-verification pricing models, we offer unlimited verifications under one business-friendly subscription — giving you peace of mind and profit protection.

🌍 Who Needs to Verify Users?

If you’re unsure whether your site needs age verification, here’s a quick checklist:

Business TypeAge Verification Needed?
Porn & adult entertainment✅ Required
Online vape / tobacco store✅ Required
Alcohol sales & delivery✅ Required
CBD & cannabis products✅ Required
Gambling / lottery websites✅ Required
Escort services or classifieds✅ Required
Adult dating & cam platforms✅ Required
18+ video streaming platforms✅ Required

📈 How Age Verification Boosts Business Success

Age verification isn’t just about legal compliance — it’s a business advantage. Here’s how:

  • 🔒 Build trust with customers and regulators
  • 🚀 Increase conversion rates with fast, one-time verification
  • 🌐 Expand globally by meeting international compliance standards
  • 📉 Reduce chargebacks and fraud by confirming user identity
  • 🧩 Seamless integration keeps your UX smooth and professional

💡 Ready to Stay Legal & Grow?

If your business operates in a regulated market, you must act now. With the UK’s new laws in effect from July 2025 and similar laws spreading worldwide, the time to implement an age verification solution is today.

👉 Get started with 18Verified — the smart solution trusted by global businesses.

Why France Is No Longer Allowing Pornhub | Adult Content Compliance

Why France Is No Longer Allowing Pornhub: Age Verification, Censorship, and Legal Crackdowns

Keywords: France bans Pornhub, age verification laws France, Pornhub blocked France, French adult content regulation, online pornography restrictions, adult site compliance France, Pornhub legal issues, 18+ content laws, AV regulation France, adult websites France

In 2024, France made global headlines by blocking Pornhub, one of the world’s largest adult content platforms, from being accessible within its borders. This bold move wasn’t about moral panic—it was the direct result of France’s tightening regulations around online safety, age verification, and data privacy. But why exactly is Pornhub no longer allowed in France? And what does it mean for adult websites, content creators, and users in the region?

The Core Issue: Age Verification Laws in France

At the heart of France’s decision is the age verification law introduced to ensure that minors are not exposed to adult content. The French government, led by ARCOM (France’s media regulatory authority), demanded that all pornographic websites implement robust age verification systems. These must go beyond basic checkbox disclaimers and implement technological solutions that confirm users are 18+—such as ID verification or secure payment authorization.

Pornhub, along with several other major adult platforms, refused to comply with the extent of the age verification requirements demanded by the French government. As a result, courts ordered ISPs in France to block access to these websites entirely.

Why Was Pornhub Blocked?

The French court ruled that Pornhub failed to implement effective age-gating technology, violating Article 227-24 of the French Penal Code. The law requires any publisher of pornographic content to “prevent minors from accessing it.” Since Pornhub did not comply, ARCOM pushed for enforcement action, and ISPs were required to cut off public access.

This isn’t a temporary measure. Unless Pornhub meets France’s AV compliance standards, the ban will remain in place indefinitely. Similar bans have affected other major sites like Stripchat and XVideos.

Impact on Adult Sites and Content Creators

This sets a major precedent for adult websites operating in France. Any site hosting or monetizing 18+ content must now integrate government-compliant age verification systems. Failure to do so risks:

  • Immediate ISP-level blocking
  • Legal liability under French law
  • Revenue loss from the French market
  • Damage to reputation and SEO rankings

For content creators using platforms like Pornhub, this means losing access to a large European audience unless the platform complies or an alternative AV-compliant site is used.

SEO and Visibility Impacts for Adult Platforms

In addition to ISP blocking, non-compliant sites are also being deranked by search engines within France. Google, under increasing regulatory pressure, may begin demoting or removing links to non-age-verified adult websites—a death sentence for traffic.

To stay visible, adult websites need to implement legal age verification solutions that meet French standards. This includes third-party AV providers, subscription paywalls, or government-backed ID checks.

The Rise of Compliant Alternatives

With Pornhub blocked, many users and creators are migrating to platforms that have adopted France-approved AV systems. Services like 18Verified offer a global compliance gateway for age-restricted websites. They allow one-time ID or credit card verification and provide legal access across all participating sites—making them attractive for both users and adult platforms.

Platforms that prioritize compliance, privacy, and usability are emerging as the winners in this new landscape.

Conclusion: What This Means for the Future of Adult Content in France

France’s block on Pornhub is a warning to adult content publishers everywhere: regulations are tightening, and compliance is no longer optional. Countries around the world—including the UK, Australia, and parts of the U.S.—are watching and preparing similar laws.

If you run an adult website, now is the time to act. Implementing robust, privacy-focused age verification is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s a survival requirement.

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Participating Websites

Browse Safely Across Verified 18+ Websites
Explore all participating websites using 18Verified — the trusted age verification solution for online platforms offering adult content, vape products, gambling, CBD, escort services, and more. With our secure, subscription-based system, users verify their age once and gain seamless access to all verified 18+ websites in our growing network. No tracking. No repeated uploads. Just fast, legal access across multiple compliant platforms.

Want to join our fast-growing new work?

 

The New Laws Affecting CBD Sales Online Around the World: Why Age Verification Is Now Essential

The global CBD industry has exploded in popularity over the past decade—but with growth comes increased regulation. From hemp-derived wellness products to full-spectrum CBD oils, governments around the world are tightening their grip on how CBD is marketed and sold online. One of the biggest legal changes? Mandatory age verification for online CBD purchases.

Whether you’re a CBD retailer or a consumer, understanding these new laws is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding penalties.

Why Age Verification Is Now Required for CBD Websites

As CBD becomes more mainstream, so do concerns around youth access. Regulatory bodies across multiple countries now classify CBD as an age-restricted product, similar to alcohol, tobacco, and vaping.

Key reasons for new age verification laws:

  • Protecting minors from purchasing or using CBD products
  • Aligning CBD laws with other regulated substances
  • Combating misinformation about CBD and THC content
  • Ensuring responsible marketing and product usage

Country-by-Country Breakdown of CBD Age Verification Rules

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

  • CBD is legal, but retailers must verify that buyers are 18+
  • The Online Safety Act also pushes for robust age checks on websites selling restricted products

🇺🇸 United States

  • Age restrictions vary by state (most require 18+ or 21+)
  • Federal law permits hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC
  • Major platforms like Shopify require age verification for CBD product listings

🇪🇺 European Union

  • Regulations differ by country, but most EU members enforce 18+ age limits
  • France and Germany require explicit age checks for online CBD transactions
  • GDPR compliance is also critical for age verification systems

🇦🇺 Australia

  • CBD is legal only by prescription; age verification required for informational and sales sites
  • TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) monitors compliance strictly

🇨🇦 Canada

  • CBD is regulated under the Cannabis Act — sales require age verification (18+ or 19+ depending on province) and federal licensing

Which Online CBD Retailers Need to Comply?

If your website sells or markets:

  • CBD oils
  • Capsules and gummies
  • CBD vape products
  • Topicals or pet CBD
  • Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extracts

…you must integrate a robust age verification system to avoid legal issues, platform bans, or payment processor restrictions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to verify age can result in:

  • Fines and legal action from regulatory bodies
  • Website takedowns
  • Loss of payment processing (e.g. Stripe, Shopify, PayPal)
  • Bans from advertising platforms like Google and Meta

18Verified: The Smart Choice for CBD Retailers

18Verified is the only age verification platform that offers a user-funded subscription model, making it affordable and scalable for CBD retailers worldwide.

Why CBD sellers choose 18Verified:

  • ⚡ Fast credit card, ID, or biometric age checks
  • 🔒 No data tracking – full user privacy
  • 🌍 Compliance with UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, and more
  • 🔌 Easy plug-and-play or API integration
  • 💸 No cost-per-verification model — users pay a small monthly fee

Final Thoughts

As CBD regulation becomes more structured worldwide, age verification is no longer optional. It’s a legal obligation and a mark of trust and professionalism. Whether you’re an online CBD startup or an established retailer, failing to verify your customers’ age could cost you your reputation—and your business.

Ready to protect your store and keep your sales flowing legally?
👉 Get started with 18Verified now