Au revoir Pornhub! Adult site pulls out of France, sending users into a frenzy
Adult media giant Pornhub said au revoir to France Wednesday after fighting with its government over new age verification rules — sending the country of love into a frenzy.
The law now requires users to upload a photo ID to access adult websites, instead of just clicking on a button that says they're 18.
Critics argued there are less invasive ways to keep children out of porn.
Advertisement
5 This is the image French visitors to Pornhub see since Wednesday.
Obtained by the New York Post
So in place of videos of porn, French users who visit Pornhub are now greeted by a topless Marianne — the symbolic representation of the republic's ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity — and the phrase 'freedom doesn't have an off button.'
And Frenchies are losing it.
Advertisement
'Another attack on freedom. What's next?' raged Loire Valley resident Enguerran Richy on social media.
'And then we give lessons in democracy to other countries,' snarked Paris resident Maxime Fontanier.
The famously libertine French were the second biggest Pornhub consumers last year – trailing only the US.
5 Many in France think the government is overreaching.
Jack Forbes / NY Post Design
Advertisement
French President Emmanual Macron — who notoriously had an affair with his wife Brigitte when he was a 15-year-old schoolboy and she was his much older, married drama teacher — had been pushing hard for the law, arguing French boys get into porn at a young age.
More than half of France's 12-year-old boys visit porn sites, according to an investigation released Tuesday by the country's regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communications.
Eva Hicks, who goes by the screen name Little Angel and was the top porn star on the site in France in 2024, says the move will just push adult content creators to post X-rated videos on social media instead.
5 Macron, who met now wife Brigitte when he was a 15-year-old schoolboy, was a big proponent of banning porn for minors.
AFP via Getty Images
Advertisement
'These are platforms accessible to minors, which is precisely the problem our government was trying to solve,' Hicks told The Post. 'There's a clear contradiction here.'
'Removing access to specialized platforms actually encourages the trivialization of pornography on mainstream social media.'
5 Hicks, known as Little Angel, was the top porn star on Pornhub in France in 2024.
Little Angel/ Instagram
Others found a fairly easy workaround.
'A VPN app and it'll be like they peed in the wind,' said Toulouse's Julien Carlot-Meunier.
And he was right — it took a mere 30 minutes after Pornhub blocked access for one of the leading VPN providers to see sign-ups jump an astronomical 1,000%.
'This is more than when TikTok blocked Americans,' Proton VPN posted on X.
The Canadian-owned porn conglomerate blasted the new government regulations as 'unreasonable, disproportionate and ineffective.'
Advertisement
5 Hicks said the ban will just push many adult content creators to post on social media instead.
Little Angel/ Instagram
'We built Proton VPN to help people in authoritarian countries with online censorship, an access gateway for porn was obviously not what we had in mind, but VPN can be used in this way,' a Proton spokesperson admitted to The Post.
Meanwhile, French authorities — who engaged in a fiery exchange with Pornhub all week — were thrilled.
'Good riddance!' fumed French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
Advertisement
'Less violent, degrading, and humiliating content accessible to minors in France. Goodbye!' ranted Equality Minister Aurore Bergé.
The most searched term on the platform had been 'française' — the feminine version of the word French — meaning users were mostly interested in watching their own countrywomen in action. 'MILF,' 'mature woman' and 'woman with glasses' were also popular searches.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
25 minutes ago
- USA Today
4 Social Security changes Washington could make to prevent benefit cuts
4 Social Security changes Washington could make to prevent benefit cuts Show Caption Hide Caption Biden criticizes Trump administration's handling of Social Security Social Security overhaul sparks criticism from Biden over service disruptions, layoffs and automation as Trump defends changes as efficiency. Straight Arrow News Social Security is an important source of income for millions of Americans, but the program has a serious financial problem. Costs have increased faster than revenues in recent years because the aging population is growing more quickly than the working population. As a result, the trust fund, the financial account that pays benefits, is on track to be depleted within a decade. Specifically, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the trust fund will be exhausted in 2034. That would eliminate one source of revenue (i.e., interest earned on trust fund reserves), and the remaining tax revenues would only cover 77% of scheduled payments. That means a 23% benefit cut would be necessary in 2035. Fortunately, the lawmakers in Washington have several years to find a better solution. Here are four Social Security changes that could prevent deep, across-the-board benefit cuts. 1. Apply the Social Security payroll tax to income above $400,000 Social Security is primarily funded by a dedicated payroll tax, which takes 6.2% of wages from workers and employers. But some income is exempt from the payroll tax. Specifically, the maximum taxable earnings limit is $176,100 in 2025. Income above that threshold is not taxed by Social Security. Importantly, the Social Security program is projected to run a $23 trillion deficit over the next 75 years as it's strained by shifting demographics. But the deficit could be slashed by applying the payroll tax to more income. For instance, including income above $400,000 would eliminate 60% of the 75-year funding shortfall, says the University of Maryland. 2. Gradually increase the Social Security payroll tax rate to 6.5% over six years Under current law, the Social Security payroll tax rate is 6.2% for workers and their employers. But gradually raising that figure would eliminate a portion of the long-term deficit. For example, increasing thetax rate by 0.05% annually over a six-year period would eliminate 15% of the 75-year funding shortfall, according to the University of Maryland. Now that I've discussed two possible changes, let's step back and look at the big picture. There are basically three ways to resolve Social Security's financial problems: (1) increase revenue, (2) reduce costs or (3) some combination of the first two options. The changes discussed so far would increase revenue, but the next two changes would cut benefits. However, they are more subtle cuts than the 23% across-the-board reduction that would follow trust fund depletion. 3. Gradually increase full retirement age to 68 by 2033 Workers are eligible for retirement benefits at age 62, but they are not entitled to their full benefit — also called the primary insurance amount (PIA) — until full retirement age (FRA). Anyone that claims before full retirement age receives a smaller payout, meaning they get less than 100% of their PIA. FRA is currently defined as 67 years old for workers born in 1960 or later, but raising the figure would reduce the long-term deficit. For instance, increasing FRA to 68 years old by 2033, meaning it would apply to workers born in 1965 or later, would eliminate 15% of the 75-year funding shortfall, according to the University of Maryland. 4. Reduce benefits for retired workers with income in the top 20% Social Security benefits are determined as percentages of two bend points. Specifically, income from the 35 highest-paid years of work is adjusted for inflation and converted to a monthly figure called the average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) amount. The AIME is then run through a formula that uses two bend points to determine the PIA for each worker. Modifying the second (highest) bend point would eliminate a portion of the long-term deficit by reducing benefits for high earners. For instance, the University of Maryland estimates that reducing benefits for individuals with income in the top 20% could reduce the 75-year funding deficit by 11%. Here's the big picture: The four changes I've discussed would eliminate 101% of Social Security's $23 trillion funding shortfall, which would prevent across-the-board benefit cuts in 2035. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook Offer from the Motley Fool: If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets"could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. JoinStock Advisorto learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" »
an hour ago
Cloudy skies can't dim joy as thousands fill nation's capital for World Pride parade
WASHINGTON -- Gray skies and drizzle gave way to sunshine, multicolored flags and celebrations as the nation's capital held the World Pride parade Saturday. Tens of thousands of people participated in parades and other festivities, in defiance of what activists say is an unprecedented assault on the LGBTQ+ community that challenges the rights many have fought for over the years. A rainbow flag the length of three football fields flowed through the streets, carried by 500 members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., to kick off the parade. Behind them, people waved Pride flags and flags representing the transgender, asexual and bisexual communities from atop a bus. Singer-songwriter and actor Reneé Rapp laughed and blew kisses from the back of a pickup truck draped with a transgender flag while Laverne Cox, a transgender actress and activist known for her role in Netflix's 'Orange is the New Black,' waved from an open convertible. 'Pride means us looking out for each other no matter what,' she declared to the crowd as the convertible rolled to a stop. 'We know how to be there for each other.' Many LGBTQ+ travelers have expressed concerns or decided to skip World Pride due to anxieties about safety, border policies and a hostile political climate that they say hearkens back to another time. But that did not keep international travelers and other participants away, with groups visible from Iran, Namibia, Kenya and Russia. Along the parade route, hundreds gathered outside the National City Christian Church as rainbow flags and balloons lined its steps and columns. A child with rainbow face paint blew bubbles at the base of the steps while Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' blared from loudspeakers.' 'D.C. is already one of the biggest cities in the country for celebrating Pride,' said Cheo White, 33, from Annapolis, Maryland, 'But we are all collectively more united and turning out more because of what's happening in the White House.' Many have said the gathering has taken on a new meaning amid the Trump administration's aggressive policies against protections for transgender Americans and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. White's partner, Nick Kerver, 26, who was visiting from Toledo, Ohio, said Pride has 'always been a political tool' but has taken on more importance this year amid mounting threats to the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender and nonbinary Americans.' 'It feels more important than ever,' Kerver said while wearing a rainbow hat, sunglasses and a T-shirt. 'But we also have to get involved in our local communities too.' David Begler, a 58-year-old gay man from Philadelphia, expressed disappointment that many international travelers felt unsafe visiting D.C. for World Pride but said he appreciates its presence in the city during this political climate. 'It's the perfect time to have World Pride in D.C.,' Begler said. 'We need it right now. I want us to send a message to the White House to focus on uplifting each other instead of dividing.' Stay DeRoux, 36, usually plans a day trip to D.C. Pride from her home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. But this year, she and her wife, Deenie DeRoux, planned a full weekend. ''This is a really big year,' Stay DeRoux said. 'There's been a lot of turmoil. So it's an amazing thing to be among allies, among people who love because we've experienced so much hate on a daily basis.' For the day, the idea of threats and opposition took a backseat to the celebration. Streets were closed, but filled with floats, and impromptu parties broke out with music and food in streets adjoining the parade route. Johnny Cervantes Jr., dressed in a black suit and top hat, headed to a grandstand at a church themed float to marry his partner of 28 years, Freddie Lutz, owner of Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia. Events culminate tomorrow with a rally and protest March Sunday and a giant street party and concert covering a multi-block stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue. 'This is World Pride in the best city in the world,' Mayor Muriel Bowser declared as she walked the parade hand-in-hand with her daughter, Miranda.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Bobby Flay's horse Crudo undercooked at Belmont Stakes
Bobby Flay's horse Crudo undercooked at Belmont Stakes Celebrity chef Bobby Flay's horse Crudo was a long shot to win Saturday's 2025 Belmont Stakes, but Crudo finishing in last place left the Flay and his horse pretty, well, burnt by the whole ordeal. Indeed, Sovereignty galloped away with the final leg of the Triple Crown in New York, and Flay's Crudo finished in last place among the horses in the field. It's not a huge shock considering Crudo wasn't one of the favorites heading into Saturday's prestigious race, but even getting to the Belmont Stakes is pretty solid work for a horse who once couldn't be sold. Flay spoke about the road Crudo, a horse he co-owns with Jimmy Ventura, took to get to Saturday's big stage. "Jimmy and I were going to buy him as a pinhook proposition — we bought him as a weanling and we were going to sell him as a yearling. We brought him to the Saratoga [Fasig-Tipton] sale, and he didn't sell, so we kept him,' Flay told the New York Post. 'I don't usually race colts. I usually race fillies only. But I have him, so he's racing, and he's turned out to have talent." Crudo earned his name for his raw talent, so perhaps the racing horse will fare better at future events. Some horses take time to find their potential on the tracks, of course, so Crudo's time may well come one day. For now, the horse's Belmont performance came out a bit undercooked, leaving Flay with a meal he'd probably like to send back to the kitchen. Pump that sweet horse full of carrots and sugar cubes, let him run around the pasture for a while and shake this race off and try again next time. If anybody knows about a bad night at the stove, it's probably Flay.
