EU Targets XNXX in Crackdown on Online Platforms

The European Union has added the porn site XNXX to its list requiring strict scrutiny under digital regulations aimed at ensuring user safety. The platform must comply with stringent measures by November, including age verification for minors and providing data transparency. Fines for violations could reach up to 6% of global revenue.

The European Union announced Wednesday that it has added the porn site XNXX to its list of online services subject to the highest level of scrutiny under the bloc's digital regulations. This move includes measures requiring users to verify their ages.

XNXX is the fourth porn site to be designated as a 'very large online platform' under the European Union's groundbreaking Digital Services Act (DSA). This classification imposes additional obligations aimed at ensuring the safety of internet users. Similar actions have been taken against Pornhub, XVideos, and Stripchat, as well as mainstream platforms like TikTok, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, and Google. The DSA, which came into effect last year, seeks to protect users from illegal content and substandard products, with potential fines reaching up to 6% of global revenue.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, stated that XNXX was included because it has 45 million European users, meeting the threshold for heightened scrutiny. The commission has mandated that XNXX comply with additional measures by November, including using age verification tools to prevent minors from accessing online porn, providing researchers access to public data, and publishing an ad database.

'XNXX must also duly assess and mitigate any systemic risks stemming from their services, such as risks related to the dissemination of illegal content or the negative effects on the mental and physical well-being of the user,' the commission stated. Attempts to contact XNXX for comment were unsuccessful as the site's media contact form is nonfunctional.

Violations of the DSA are subject to fines up to 6% of global revenue or even an EU ban. Last month, the commission asked Pornhub, which has disputed its DSA status, XVideos, and Stripchat for more information on the measures they have implemented to protect minors from accessing their content.

(With inputs from agencies.)