Porn Thrives in India Despite Ban; Pornhub Use Jumps 95%

Porn Thrives in India Despite Ban; Pornhub Use Jumps 95%

LOS ANGELES — Recent reports have revealed that online adult entertainment is thriving in India as the country copes with the coronavirus pandemic and "stay at home" restrictions.

The surge in traffic comes despite the country’s ban on specific adult websites, including Pornhub, imposed in 2015 by India’s Department of Telecommunications. The company responded to the .com ban by launching Pornhub.org for the country’s 1.3 billion residents and recently followed up with its global offer of free Pornhub Premium memberships as part of its “StayHomeHub” campaign, further fueling its growth on the sub-continent.

News reports now suggest the site’s reach has increased by 95 percent.

“Indians have been increasingly hitting [Pornhub] for porn since the announcement of the lockdown on March 24,” Aswathy T.O. wrote for International Business Times. “Luckily for Indians, the lockdown also coincided with Pornhub’s announcement to provide a month’s worth of access to its Premium account for free across countries as a token of support during the tough lockdown times. Indians seem to have responded to this with utmost enthusiasm!” 

The 95 percent increase in traffic occurred by March 27; by April 1, the increase hovered at 64 percent. "Indians [are] clearly making the most of both social distancing and free porn," Aswathy said.

For comparison, Pornhub reports that its global traffic level spiked by over 24 percent, reaching its highest level March 25.

For more information, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More