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Pornhub Owner Presses Apple, Google and Microsoft to Shift Age Checks to Devices

Aylo cites steep traffic losses to argue for a single device-level age signal.

Overview

  • Aylo sent letters this week urging Apple, Google and Microsoft to adopt device- or app-store age verification that shares a reusable age signal with adult sites via API.
  • Google said it is developing age-assurance tools such as its Credential Manager API and noted Play bans adult entertainment apps, while Apple and Microsoft declined direct comment and pointed to existing guidance.
  • Pornhub reports traffic dropped about 80% in Louisiana and nearly 80% in the UK after complying with new age-verification laws.
  • California’s Digital Age Assurance Act requires app stores to authenticate user ages before downloads of apps with adult content starting January 1, 2027.
  • Studies and industry groups say site-based checks are easily bypassed and divert users to unregulated venues, as privacy experts warn device-level systems could enable persistent digital IDs and erode anonymity.