The Daily Aus Why you can't watch PornHub anymore
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Mar 9, 2026 Australia’s new law forces porn sites to verify ages, and Pornhub has locked out new Australian users. The hosts chart how verification might work and the privacy risks of handing IDs to adult sites. They explore legal penalties for noncompliance and where users might turn next. The conversation also compares international moves and the likely effects on young people’s viewing habits.
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Australia Requires 18+ Age Verification For Porn Sites
- Australia now requires porn sites to verify users are 18+ under an eSafety code introduced this week.
- Pornhub blocked new registrations for Australia, so only existing account holders can view content without new verification.
Age Assurance Can Use Multiple Methods
- The eSafety Commissioner set a broad requirement for age-assurance technology rather than a single mandated method.
- Options suggested included parental confirmation, photo ID, facial age estimation, and credit card checks, each with trade-offs.
Everyone May Need To Verify Their Age Repeatedly
- Unlike the social media ban, this law requires all adult users to actively verify age, not just under-18s.
- That means every viewer would need to submit verification each time some sites lack storage or tech to retain checks.