PornHub, OnlyFans and others: AgCom blocks access for minors. Identity proof required
The intervention is valid for 48 sites. An age verification system using the 'double anonymity' model is planned
by Lorenzo Pace
A 'double anonymity' system to ensure that visitors to porn sites are of legal age is the measure established by AgCom, the Communications Guarantee Authority, which will enter into force on 12 November.
The intervention, which applies to 48 sites, is part of the Caivano decree, which in paragraph 1 introduced for minors 'a ban on access to content of a pornographic nature, in view of its capacity to harm their dignity and physical and mental well-being, constituting a public health problem'.
AgCom, in fact, specifies that it serves to ensure 'a level of security appropriate to the risk and respect for the minimisation of personal data collected for the purpose'.
At present, sites only need to ask the user if he or she is of age. From 12 November, however, an age verification system using the model of 'double anonymity' is planned. This means the intervention of certified independent third parties - such as digital identity portals - to provide proof of age. In this way, the site receives no information about the user and the verifier does not know where he or she is accessing.
Periodic checks will be carried out by AgCom to verify the authentication systems. In the event of non-compliance, temporary or permanent blocking of sites accessible from Italy may be ordered.
