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Age Verification is Now Mandatory for Online Adult Dating Worldwide

In today’s digitally connected world, the rules around age verification are changing rapidly—and adult dating platforms are at the center of this global shift. With new legislation and online safety laws sweeping across the UK, EU, USA, Australia, and beyond, it is now a legal requirement for online adult dating websites to implement robust age verification systems. These changes are designed to protect minors from exposure to adult content and ensure that only users aged 18 and above can access age-restricted services.

Why Age Verification for Adult Dating Is Crucial

Online adult dating websites have long operated in a legal grey area when it comes to verifying users’ ages. However, governments worldwide are now cracking down on unregulated access. Age verification is no longer just a security feature—it’s a compliance necessity. By verifying users before granting access, adult dating websites can:

  • Prevent minors from registering or accessing adult content
  • Comply with national and international digital safety laws
  • Build trust with legitimate users who value privacy and protection
  • Avoid fines, site restrictions, or legal action from regulators

Countries Leading the Way in Enforcement

  • United Kingdom: Under the Online Safety Act, adult dating websites must implement highly effective age assurance technologies or face hefty fines and platform bans.
  • European Union: France and Germany are enforcing strict age verification laws that include ID checks and biometric verification.
  • United States: States like Utah, Louisiana, and Arkansas have passed age verification laws specifically targeting adult websites, including dating platforms.
  • Australia: The eSafety Commissioner mandates that all adult services, including dating websites, verify the age of their users.
  • Canada and New Zealand: These countries are actively developing policies to enforce age verification across adult content platforms.

How 18Verified Supports Global Compliance

18Verified is the leading age verification platform for adult dating websites. Our system uses cutting-edge technology to verify a user’s age quickly and securely via ID upload, credit card validation, and facial recognition—all compliant with global data protection standards.

Benefits of integrating 18Verified include:

  • One-time user verification with access across all partner platforms
  • Seamless API and plug-and-play solutions for websites
  • Fast, private, and secure verification methods
  • Compliance with laws in the UK, EU, USA, Australia, and more

The Future of Adult Dating Online

As governments strengthen their online safety frameworks, adult dating websites that fail to comply will risk fines, blocks, or complete shutdowns. Age verification is no longer optional. It’s a legal and ethical responsibility to protect users and maintain the integrity of your platform.

Now is the time to implement a trusted age verification solution. Partner with 18Verified to stay ahead of regulations and offer your users a safe, compliant, and smooth experience.

Protect Your Platform. Protect Your Users. Stay Compliant.

The Global Crackdown: How Age Verification Laws Are Changing Online Alcohol Sales

As age verification regulations continue to tighten around the globe, the online alcohol retail industry is facing a critical transformation. From digital liquor stores to alcohol delivery apps, businesses must now comply with strict age-restriction enforcement laws to avoid legal penalties and protect minors from underage drinking.

Why Age Verification Is Now Essential for Alcohol Retailers

In today’s digital landscape, more consumers are turning to the convenience of buying alcohol online. But with this convenience comes responsibility. Governments across the UK, USA, EU, Australia, and beyond are enacting age verification laws for alcohol sales to ensure that only individuals aged 18+ or 21+ (depending on jurisdiction) can access or purchase alcoholic beverages through the internet.

This shift has made age verification software a legal requirement for eCommerce platforms that sell wine, beer, spirits, and other alcoholic products. Failure to comply with these regulatory frameworks can lead to hefty fines, loss of licenses, and even criminal charges.

Who’s Affected by the New Alcohol Age Laws?

Age verification compliance now applies to a wide range of alcohol-related businesses:

  • Online alcohol retailers
  • Subscription wine clubs
  • Liquor delivery services
  • Digital marketplaces selling beer, wine, or spirits
  • E-commerce shops with gift baskets containing alcohol
  • Breweries and distilleries offering direct-to-consumer sales

Whether you operate in North America, Europe, Asia, or Oceania, the laws are converging around one idea: no sale without robust age verification.

Country-by-Country Snapshot

  • United Kingdom: The Online Safety Act requires websites selling age-restricted products like alcohol to implement “highly effective” age assurance systems.
  • United States: Age thresholds vary by state, but federal regulations are clear—online alcohol sales must prevent access by anyone under 21.
  • Australia: Alcohol sales are regulated at the state level, but a nationwide push is underway to enforce digital age checks.
  • France & Germany: EU directives mandate strict age-gating for alcohol, with fines for non-compliant businesses.
  • Canada: Provincial laws enforce rigorous ID verification for both in-store and online alcohol sales.

The Role of Technology in Compliance

To remain compliant, businesses must adopt digital age verification tools that are fast, secure, and effective. These can include:

  • Photo ID upload with facial recognition
  • Credit card age checks
  • Mobile phone number verification linked to age
  • Third-party digital identity verification platforms

Solutions like 18Verified offer seamless API and plug-and-play options that integrate directly into eCommerce platforms, allowing businesses to verify buyers’ age in seconds without disrupting the shopping experience.

Why 18Verified Is the Smart Choice for Alcohol Retailers

At 18Verified, we provide cost-effective, privacy-first age verification solutions specifically designed for industries like alcohol, vaping, gambling, and adult content. Unlike per-verification models, we offer a subscription-based system that makes compliance affordable and scalable.

  • One login gives verified users access across multiple compliant websites
  • No pay-per-verification fees for businesses
  • Fast, secure integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom platforms
  • Fully aligned with UK, EU, US, and Australian regulations

The Future of Alcohol Sales Is Verified

As online age verification laws for alcohol become the global standard, it’s not just about staying legal—it’s about protecting your business, your reputation, and your customers.

Now is the time to act. Future-proof your alcohol business with a trusted, regulation-ready solution like 18Verified.

Global Age Verification Laws Are Reshaping the Online Gambling Industry

The online gambling industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation as new age verification laws take hold around the world. Governments are tightening regulations to prevent underage gambling, reduce fraudulent activity, and promote responsible betting. As a result, gambling websites must now implement robust age verification systems to ensure that users are 18+, or risk facing hefty fines and legal action.

Why Age Verification Is Now Mandatory for Online Gambling Platforms

Across countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, and France, regulators are enforcing stricter age checks to align with growing concerns over child safety, online addiction, and illegal betting operations. These measures go far beyond simply asking users to tick a box confirming their age. Authorities now expect highly effective age assurance, including:

  • Credit card authorisation
  • Photo ID checks
  • Facial recognition
  • Mobile network data
  • Email-based age estimation

In the UK, the Online Safety Act gives Ofcom enforcement power to ensure gambling platforms deploy age checks that are both technically accurate and privacy-conscious. The penalties for non-compliance can reach £18 million or 10% of global turnover, and they apply not only to domestic companies but also to overseas operators with a UK user base.

Industry Impact: Compliance, Conversion & Customer Trust

For online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker platforms, the impact is multi-dimensional:

  • Legal compliance: Websites must now integrate verified age-checking APIs or partner with age verification providers like 18Verified to meet legal standards.
  • User experience: Seamless verification methods are essential to avoid deterring legitimate customers while still blocking underage users.
  • Brand reputation: A failure to comply with age checks can result in public backlash, payment gateway bans, or even removal from app stores and advertising platforms.

By implementing privacy-focused, fast, and secure age verification, gambling companies can meet compliance requirements and demonstrate responsibility, improving customer trust and reducing the risk of fraud or regulatory intervention.

Global Overview: Country-Specific Gambling Age Laws

  • United Kingdom: Strict enforcement through the Gambling Commission and Ofcom. Online platforms must conduct age checks before allowing any interaction.
  • United States: Age requirements vary by state, typically 21+. Laws like the Utah Porn Filter Law and similar bills are setting a precedent for other states to enforce digital age checks for gambling too.
  • Australia: Online gambling is tightly regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Sites must restrict access to users under 18.
  • Germany: Operators must use verified ID processes under the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (State Treaty on Gambling).
  • France & Spain: Require secure ID validation before allowing gambling activity online.

Why 18Verified Is the Smart Choice for Gambling Websites

18Verified offers a cost-effective, secure, and scalable age verification solution that helps gambling websites around the world stay compliant. Unlike competitors who charge per verification, we provide a user-pays subscription model—making it more affordable for platforms while offering one-time verification, one login, full access across all partnered sites.

We support:

  • ID document verification
  • Credit card checks
  • Facial age estimation
  • Plug-and-play and API integrations
  • Global jurisdiction coverage

Whether you’re running a betting site, casino app, or online poker room, integrating 18Verified ensures you’re legally protected and user-friendly.


The Take away
The future of the online gambling industry depends on proactive compliance with age verification laws. By choosing a partner like 18Verified, gambling websites can ensure full legal compliance, protect young users, and safeguard their business reputation in an increasingly regulated digital environment.

How Age Verification Laws Are Changing the Online Vape Industry Worldwide

The global vape retail industry is facing a pivotal shift due to the growing implementation of strict age verification laws. As concerns around youth access to vaping products continue to rise, governments around the world are introducing mandatory digital age checks to ensure that only adults over the age of 18 can purchase e-cigarettes, vapes, and related products online. These laws are transforming how vape businesses operate and placing a legal obligation on online retailers to adopt robust, privacy-safe, and compliant age verification systems.

The Need for Age Verification in the Vape Industry

Vaping has rapidly become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional tobacco, especially among younger demographics. However, this popularity has raised significant public health concerns, particularly regarding the accessibility of vaping products to minors.

To counteract underage sales, lawmakers are implementing legislation requiring online vape retailers to verify the age of their buyers before a purchase is completed. These laws are designed to prevent minors from accessing harmful nicotine products, promote responsible retailing, and protect youth from addiction and potential health risks.

Key Regions Enforcing Age Verification for Vape Sales

United Kingdom
Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, online vape shops must now integrate highly effective age assurance technology to restrict access to those 18 and over. Retailers that fail to comply face substantial fines and potential enforcement actions by Ofcom.

United States
Federal law in the U.S. mandates that vape products cannot be sold to anyone under 21. Online retailers must employ stringent age verification solutions, such as photo ID checks or credit card authentication, to comply with regulations set forth by the FDA and state authorities.

Australia
Australia enforces strict regulations on the sale of nicotine-containing vapes. Retailers must verify a buyer’s age and, in most cases, also require a valid prescription to complete a sale. Failure to comply can result in legal penalties.

European Union
Many EU countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, have begun tightening age verification rules in line with the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). Some nations, like France, have even banned adult sites (e.g., Pornhub) that fail to implement adequate age checks, setting a precedent that may extend to vape retailers.

Why Compliance Matters for Vape Retailers

Failing to implement effective age verification systems can have severe consequences, including:

  • Legal penalties and fines for non-compliance
  • Loss of merchant accounts or payment processing restrictions
  • Reputational damage and customer trust loss
  • Website blacklisting or takedown orders

In contrast, implementing a secure, compliant age verification solution positions your vape business as responsible, trustworthy, and legally prepared.

How 18Verified Supports Vape Retailers

18Verified offers a globally compliant, subscription-based age verification platform that simplifies regulatory compliance for online vape retailers. Instead of charging per verification, 18Verified provides unlimited age checks for one low annual fee. Our technology includes photo ID matching, credit card authentication, and digital identity checks to meet country-specific legal standards.

With one quick verification, customers can access any participating site in the 18Verified network without repeated checks. This seamless, privacy-first solution not only ensures full compliance but also protects user anonymity and increases conversion rates by removing friction.

Conclusion

The age verification landscape is evolving rapidly, and the online vape industry must adapt or face legal and commercial risks. Regulatory bodies across the UK, U.S., Australia, and Europe are enforcing laws that require all e-cigarette and vape retailers to prevent underage access with highly effective age verification solutions.

By partnering with 18Verified, vape retailers can stay ahead of compliance mandates, reduce legal risk, and build consumer trust. Don’t wait for enforcement to knock on your door. Secure your business and protect your customers today with a trusted age verification gateway.

Contact 18Verified to learn more about vape industry compliance and start your free trial today.

Adult Industry Age Verification Compliance | 18Verified

How the Adult Industry Is Affected by New Age Verification Laws

In 2025, the global adult entertainment industry faces a seismic shift due to the enforcement of strict age verification laws. These new regulations aim to protect minors from accessing explicit content online and are already being enforced in key regions, including the UK, EU, USA, Australia, and Canada. If your platform offers adult content, failing to comply with these regulations could result in hefty fines, loss of access to users, or being completely blocked.

Why Age Verification Laws Are Changing
The rise in children accessing harmful online content has led governments worldwide to demand robust, effective age verification systems. The new laws focus on holding platforms accountable for protecting underage users while enforcing transparency and privacy for adults.

Key Age Verification Guidelines for the Adult Industry
To remain compliant, adult websites must now implement highly effective age assurance methods that meet regulatory standards. The requirements generally include:

Mandatory age checks before any explicit content is displayed

No access to preview or thumbnails of pornographic content without verification

Data protection and privacy compliance (no tracking or storing user behavior)

User-friendly verification options, such as:

Credit card checks

Photo ID matching

Email-based age estimation

Mobile network filters

Facial age estimation (in select regions)

These age verification methods must be technically accurate, reliable, and fair, according to regulatory authorities like Ofcom (UK) and the EU Commission.

Which Websites Must Comply?
If your website includes or promotes any of the following, you are legally required to implement an age verification gateway:

Pornographic video platforms

Live adult webcam sites

Adult content creators (including subscription models like OnlyFans)

Escort directories and advertising portals

Erotic literature or image sites

Adult dating platforms

Online sex toy and adult product retailers

Even international platforms targeting users in regulated countries are obligated to comply — regardless of where the business is registered.

Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the new age verification laws can lead to:

Fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover (UK)

Geo-blocking and de-platforming by internet service providers

Legal action against company executives

Loss of payment processing services

User data restrictions and takedown orders

France has already blocked Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube for failing to introduce adequate age verification. Australia and the EU are rolling out similar enforcement measures, while US states such as Utah, Louisiana, and Virginia now require explicit websites to verify user age by law.

How 18Verified Helps Adult Websites Stay Legal and Grow
At 18Verified, we offer the adult industry’s most cost-effective, user-friendly age verification solution. Our platform supports:

✅ Unlimited verifications under a low annual business license
✅ A simple subscription model — the user pays £2/month
✅ One login across all participating adult sites
✅ No pay-per-verification fees
✅ Privacy-first design — we don’t track browsing history or store sensitive data

Our plug-and-play integration and API make setup fast and effortless. Whether you're running an escort directory, adult toy shop, cam site, or tube platform, we ensure you stay fully compliant with national and international laws.

Final Thoughts: Age Verification Is No Longer Optional
The adult industry is undergoing a pivotal transformation. Regulatory bodies are no longer turning a blind eye to underage access, and businesses that fail to act now will face serious consequences. By partnering with 18Verified, you can future-proof your platform, protect your users, and grow legally — all while maintaining privacy, trust, and a seamless user experience.

🔐 Contact us now to stay compliant, competitive, and connected.

Global Age Verification Laws | 18Verified

The Global Rise of Age Verification Laws: Who’s Next to Enforce Online Safety

As digital access becomes universal, more countries around the world are joining the movement to enforce age verification laws to protect minors from harmful online content. The global push toward robust age assurance systems is no longer limited to Europe, the UK, or Australia. Emerging markets across Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas are now drafting or strengthening online safety regulations—especially around access to adult content, gambling, vaping, and other age-restricted services.

Why the Global Shift Is Happening

Growing concerns over children’s exposure to explicit material, graphic violence, online grooming, and unregulated platforms have led to a wave of legislative reforms worldwide. Countries are now prioritizing:

  • Protecting underage users
  • Enforcing digital accountability
  • Aligning with global privacy and safety frameworks (e.g., GDPR, COPPA, DSA)

Platforms that fail to comply with new standards risk facing fines, user access restrictions, and reputational damage.

Countries Moving Toward Age Verification

New Zealand

New Zealand has expressed strong support for age assurance legislation, particularly for websites hosting pornographic or violent content. While currently operating under voluntary industry standards, lawmakers are considering regulations aligned with Australia’s Online Safety Act. Mandatory age verification for adult content is expected to be introduced in the coming year.

Japan

Japan is addressing the rising concern of child exploitation and exposure to inappropriate media. New proposals seek to introduce verified age checks for platforms hosting explicit content, online dating, and gambling services. The country is also testing facial age estimation and digital ID validation.

South Korea

Already known for its tech-forward regulation, South Korea is enhancing its cybersecurity and online youth protection framework. Upcoming revisions will likely include mobile SIM-based age verification, real-name authentication, and age checks for streaming and gaming platforms.

Singapore and Southeast Asia

Singapore is leading the charge in Southeast Asia by reviewing legislation that would require age verification for adult websites, online betting, and vape sales. Other countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Philippines are also reviewing age assurance as part of broader online safety laws.

Brazil

Brazil is expected to pass age verification laws aligned with the Marco Civil da Internet and updated child protection laws. These would target pornography, escort services, and age-restricted eCommerce, requiring ID checks or digital age assurance platforms.

South Africa

South Africa has introduced new draft legislation focusing on online child protection. This includes proposed requirements for websites offering adult content, vaping products, and gambling services to deploy age verification systems.

Age Verification Methods Gaining Global Approval

Globally, governments and regulators are aligning around several high-assurance age verification technologies:

  • Photo ID + selfie matching
  • Credit card verification
  • Mobile network operator age checks
  • Facial age estimation
  • Email-based age analysis
  • Open banking identity checks

Challenges for Global Businesses

If your business operates across borders and offers adult content, vaping, gambling, escort services, or CBD products, you need to prepare for a fragmented but fast-evolving global regulatory landscape. Each country may have:

  • Different compliance deadlines
  • Varying acceptable verification methods
  • Distinct data protection laws

Ignoring new regulations could result in:

  • Website blocking or de-listing
  • Legal liability or regulatory enforcement
  • Loss of user trust and brand reputation

How 18Verified Supports Global Compliance

At 18Verified, we provide an all-in-one age verification platform designed for international compliance. Our solution supports:

  • Photo ID and facial recognition verification
  • Credit card authentication
  • Email-based and mobile age estimation
  • Open banking identity validation
  • Plug-and-play or API integration for any website or app

We stay ahead of the law so you don’t have to, offering real-time updates on new regulations and built-in compliance tools for every region.

Conclusion: The Future of Online Safety Is Global

The age verification movement is no longer regional—it’s global. Countries across Asia, Oceania, South America, and Africa are moving rapidly to enact age assurance mandates that will redefine how platforms handle age-restricted access.

Whether you’re a porn site, gambling platform, vape retailer, or escort directory, staying ahead of age verification regulations is no longer optional. With 18Verified, you can verify once, integrate easily, and stay compliant—anywhere in the world.

Stay compliant. Protect your users. Choose 18Verified for global age verification compliance.

Australia Age Verification Laws | 18Verified

Australia’s New Age Verification Laws: What You Need to Know

Australia is tightening its online safety regulations with a major push toward mandatory age verification for websites that offer or promote age-restricted content. Under the evolving framework of the Online Safety Act, platforms will soon be legally required to implement robust age assurance measures to prevent minors from accessing harmful digital content.

What’s Changing Under the Online Safety Act?

The eSafety Commissioner is spearheading Australia’s efforts to ensure safer online environments for children and young people. New industry codes will require companies to adopt high-assurance age verification systems for platforms that host or link to:

  • Pornographic and adult content
  • Online gambling and betting platforms
  • Vape and tobacco product sales
  • CBD and cannabis retailers
  • Escort services and adult dating sites

The goal is to reduce youth exposure to explicit material, graphic violence, and harmful or illegal content.

Industries Affected by Australia’s Age Verification Laws

The new regulations will affect a broad range of businesses operating online, both within Australia and globally. Key industries include:

  • Adult websites offering sexually explicit videos, images, or livestreams
  • Escort directories and adult advertising platforms
  • Vape retailers selling e-cigarettes and nicotine products
  • Online gambling sites, including sports betting and casino games
  • CBD sellers and other age-restricted wellness products

Whether you operate locally or internationally, if your website is accessible by Australian users, these laws will apply to you.

What Is Required to Comply?

Australia’s new codes require platforms to implement technically accurate, reliable, and privacy-preserving age verification solutions. Accepted age assurance methods may include:

  • Credit card verification (over 18 requirement in Australia)
  • Facial age estimation using AI technology
  • Photo ID checks combined with selfie matching
  • Mobile network operator (MNO) age validation
  • Email-based age estimation (based on digital footprint)

Self-declaration (e.g., “I am over 18” checkboxes) will no longer be accepted.

Timeline for Implementation

The Australian government is taking a phased approach:

  • 2024: Consultation and code development by the eSafety Commissioner
  • 2025: Mandatory enforcement begins, with penalties for non-compliance

Once in effect, platforms will face serious consequences for ignoring age verification obligations, including:

  • Large fines (up to AUD $555,000 per violation)
  • Removal or blocking of content
  • Public naming and shaming of non-compliant companies

How 18Verified Keeps You Compliant in Australia

18Verified offers a scalable, user-friendly solution that helps businesses comply with Australia’s new age verification laws. We support a wide range of highly effective age assurance methods, including:

  • Photo ID and facial recognition verification
  • Credit card authentication
  • Mobile network age checks
  • Email-based age estimation
  • API and plug-and-play integration for rapid deployment

Our technology is privacy-first, GDPR-aligned, and built to meet the standards outlined by Australia’s eSafety framework.

Final Thoughts

Australia is joining the global movement toward stricter online safety laws, and the message is clear: websites offering adult content, vaping, gambling, and other age-restricted services must verify the age of their users. The era of self-declared ages is over.

With enforcement beginning in 2025, now is the time to act. 18Verified gives your business the tools it needs to stay compliant, protect users, and build trust across international markets.

Protect your business. Verify users. Stay compliant with 18Verified.

Canada Age Verification Laws | 18Verified

Understanding Age Verification Laws in Canada: What Businesses Need to Know

Canada is on the brink of passing some of the most comprehensive age verification laws in North America. With growing concern over children accessing harmful content online, the Canadian government is advancing legislation like Bill S-210, which would require websites offering pornographic material, vaping products, gambling services, and other age-restricted content to implement robust age verification systems.

What Is Bill S-210?

Bill S-210, also known as the Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act, proposes that any website accessible in Canada which makes sexually explicit content available must take reasonable steps to verify that users are at least 18 years old. This includes Canadian and foreign-based websites that serve Canadian users.

This bill places clear responsibilities on both platforms and internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to non-compliant websites. If passed, it would mark a major shift in online safety regulation in Canada and bring the country in line with evolving international age verification standards.

Industries Affected by Age Verification Legislation

The proposed Canadian age verification laws will impact a wide range of industries, including:

  • Adult entertainment websites and platforms hosting 18+ content
  • Escort directories and adult dating websites
  • Vape retailers and e-cigarette vendors
  • Online gambling and casino websites
  • CBD and cannabis retailers
  • Social media platforms promoting or linking to age-restricted material

If your business operates in one of these industries or targets users in Canada, you must be prepared to integrate high-assurance age verification technology to remain compliant.

What Is Required for Age Verification Compliance?

The law will likely require businesses to use privacy-preserving and technically accurate age verification methods, such as:

  • Photo ID matching with facial verification
  • Credit card age authentication
  • Mobile network age checks
  • Email-based age estimation
  • Open banking and digital ID verification

Crucially, self-declared ages or simple “yes/no” consent forms will no longer meet legal standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Although full enforcement frameworks are still being defined, businesses that fail to comply with age verification requirements under Bill S-210 could face:

  • Fines or administrative penalties
  • ISP-level blocking of their websites in Canada
  • Legal action from regulatory authorities or consumer protection agencies

How 18Verified Helps Businesses in Canada Stay Compliant

At 18Verified, we provide a complete, privacy-first age verification platform tailored for businesses operating in Canada. Whether you’re running a porn site, vape shop, escort directory, or gambling platform, we help you meet compliance obligations without sacrificing user experience.

Our technology includes:

  • Secure credit card verification
  • Photo ID + selfie matching
  • Mobile carrier AV checks
  • Email-based age estimation (GDPR and PIPEDA compliant)
  • Fast API and plug-and-play integration

We ensure your business is ready to meet Canada’s age verification laws with scalable, user-friendly solutions.

Final Thoughts

As Canada prepares to implement national age verification legislation, businesses handling adult or age-restricted content must act now to future-proof their compliance strategies. With platforms like Pornhub already facing global scrutiny and Canada following in the footsteps of countries like France, Germany, and the UK, robust age verification is becoming the global standard.

18Verified provides the tools you need to protect your business, safeguard your users, and stay compliant with evolving Canadian laws.

Get compliant, stay secure, and lead with trust—choose 18Verified for Canada.

EU Age Verification Laws | 18Verified

The EU’s New Age Verification Laws: What Online Platforms Need to Know

Across the European Union, governments are implementing strict new age verification laws aimed at protecting minors from accessing online pornography and other age-restricted content. Under the broader umbrella of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and national legislation, EU member states are now requiring adult websites and digital platforms to use high-assurance age verification methods that respect user privacy while ensuring legal compliance.

France Leads with Strict Enforcement

France has become a frontrunner in enforcing age verification for pornographic websites. As of 2025, access to major adult platforms like Pornhub, YouPorn, and RedTube is effectively blocked for failing to implement government-approved age assurance systems. French law now requires verified ID checks or third-party age verification that meets strict privacy and data protection standards.

The French regulator, ARCOM, mandates that users must prove they are over 18 using tools such as photo ID verification, facial age estimation, or bank-based identity checks. Importantly, platforms must avoid intrusive tracking and cannot store sensitive personal data.

EU-Wide Adoption Under the DSA

The Digital Services Act requires large platforms and adult sites operating in Europe to deploy mechanisms that prevent minors from accessing illegal or harmful content. As part of the EU’s coordinated rollout, pilot programs are underway in France, Italy, Greece, Denmark, and Spain, focusing on a standardized age verification app that supports privacy-first access.

This upcoming EU digital identity wallet will allow users to verify their age across all compliant platforms without sharing unnecessary personal data. The goal is to balance compliance, child protection, and user anonymity.

Country-Specific Rules to Know

  • France: Government-approved age checks; porn platforms blocked for non-compliance.
  • Germany: Requires digital ID or certified AV providers; self-declaration is not permitted.
  • Italy: AV via SPID (Italian digital identity system); ID-based or bank-linked checks enforced.
  • Spain: Joining the EU digital identity program; regional regulations may follow.
  • Netherlands: Tightening controls on adult content sites; age assurance policy in development.

Each country is focused on preventing underage users from accessing adult, gambling, vape, and dating platforms. Penalties for non-compliance may include fines, site access bans, or criminal enforcement.

What This Means for Businesses

If you operate a website in the EU that features or links to 18+ content, or sells vapes, CBD, gambling, or escort services, you are now expected to comply with these new age verification rules.

Businesses must adopt highly effective age verification technology, such as:

  • Credit card verification
  • Facial age estimation
  • Government-issued ID checks
  • Mobile network age validation
  • Open banking identity verification

Failing to implement compliant AV systems can lead to fines, legal action, and blocked access within the EU.

18Verified: Your EU Compliance Solution

At 18Verified, we provide a scalable, GDPR-compliant age verification platform that supports businesses across Europe. Our privacy-first, user-friendly technology is designed to meet the legal requirements in all EU member states.

We support:

  • Photo ID matching with facial analysis
  • Real-time credit card AV
  • Email-based age estimation
  • Mobile carrier age checks
  • Fast API and plug-and-play integration

With 18Verified, your business can achieve EU age verification compliance without compromising on user experience, privacy, or conversion rates.

Final Thoughts

The EU’s age verification laws are reshaping the digital compliance landscape for adult websites and age-restricted services. With countries like France, Germany, and Italy leading the charge, online platforms must act now to avoid enforcement and maintain user access.

18Verified helps you stay ahead of legislation, ensuring your site is legally protected and your users are verified safely, securely, and anonymously.

Stay compliant. Protect your users. Partner with 18Verified.

Understanding Age Verification Laws in America: What Businesses Need to Know

Age verification laws in the United States are rapidly evolving. Driven by concerns over online safety, youth exposure to adult content, and access to harmful products, a growing number of U.S. states are implementing strict digital age verification requirements. These regulations now affect a wide range of industries, including adult entertainment, vaping, online gambling, CBD, and escort directories.

The Legal Landscape of Age Verification in the U.S.

Unlike the UK or EU, the U.S. does not have a single federal age verification law. Instead, individual states are introducing their own legislation requiring websites that host or promote age-restricted content to block access to minors using robust age assurance methods.

As of 2025, over 19 states have passed or proposed laws mandating high-assurance age checks for online platforms. These laws generally apply to websites that:

  • Publish or host sexually explicit material
  • Sell vapes, tobacco, or CBD products
  • Offer online betting, lotteries, or casino-style games
  • Operate as escort directories, dating sites, or cam platforms

State-by-State Overview

Here’s a snapshot of key states with active or upcoming age verification laws:

  • Texas: Enforces mandatory ID or third-party age verification for pornographic content.
  • Louisiana: Requires government-issued ID verification or a third-party certified AV provider.
  • Utah, Virginia, Arkansas: Demand platforms hosting 18+ content implement age verification technology.
  • Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, Montana, Kansas: Enforcing or proposing strict AV laws.
  • California and New York: Exploring broader privacy-compliant AV regulations for digital platforms.

How 18Verified Keeps Your Website Compliant

18Verified provides a turnkey, nationwide age verification solution that helps online businesses meet varying state-level compliance requirements, without sacrificing user experience or privacy.

Our platform uses high-impact, Ofcom-aligned age verification methods, including:

  • Credit card verification
  • Photo ID + facial match authentication
  • Mobile network age checks
  • Email-based age estimation
  • Digital ID and open banking (coming soon)

Each method is fast, secure, and tailored to meet the highest legal standards in the U.S. while respecting user anonymity. No intrusive data harvesting. No tracking. No pay-per-verification model.

With 18Verified, your users only verify once and get instant access to all connected sites, making it a cost-effective, privacy-first, and fully compliant solution for the American market.

Conclusion: Stay Compliant, Stay Online

The enforcement of state-level age verification laws in America marks a turning point for online businesses. Failure to comply can result in legal penalties, lost revenue, and blocked access. As laws tighten, especially around pornographic, vape, gambling, and escort websites, the need for a trusted verification partner is more urgent than ever.

18Verified helps your business navigate this complex legal terrain with confidence. Our one-time verification, cross-site access, and subscription-based model give you everything you need to stay legal and grow across all 50 states.

Protect your users. Stay compliant. Grow your business with 18Verified – Get Started Today.