NGOs push for regulation of major porn websites under Digital Services Act

Civil society organizations are urging the European Commission to categorize major porn websites as ‘very large online platforms’ under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes strict regulations for platforms with over 45 million monthly users in the European Union. The DSA aims to clarify responsibility for online actors, addressing both illegal and harmful but legal content.

While the first batch of such platforms was announced earlier, porn websites were conspicuously absent. NGOs believe that many of these sites downplayed their user numbers to avoid regulation and are calling for equal standards and transparency in future designations. The goal is to ensure all systemic risks are addressed without stigmatizing users or sex workers.

Why does it matter?

Indeed, it could be argued that the call made by NGOs is well-founded. As highlighted earlier this year, the EU is struggling with the task of regulating well-known yet elusive porn websites like Pornhub and YouPorn. These platforms have consistently been the target of legal action due to their hosting of illicit and harmful content. The challenge at hand revolves around ensuring stricter rules apply to these websites, all while dealing with their intricate and frequently uncooperative behavior, as noted by national regulators.