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Pornhub’s Parent Presses Apple, Google and Microsoft for Device-Level Age Checks

Citing steep traffic losses under new laws, Aylo argues a one-time, on-device age signal would better protect privacy.

Overview

  • Aylo sent letters this week urging Apple, Google, and Microsoft to enable device-based age verification and share a neutral age signal with websites via an API.
  • Google said it is developing age-assurance tools such as a Credential Manager API and reiterated its ban on adult apps on Google Play, while Apple and Microsoft declined direct comment and pointed to existing child-safety policies.
  • Pornhub reports traffic declines of roughly 77–80 percent in jurisdictions enforcing site-level age checks, including Louisiana and the United Kingdom.
  • The company argues current site-based systems are ineffective and drive users to unregulated sites, pointing to research and internal search data showing increased interest in alternatives without safeguards.
  • Privacy advocates warn device-level schemes risk creating de facto digital IDs, as California’s new Digital Age Assurance Act will require app stores to authenticate user ages starting in 2027.