U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Mandates Porn Filter for COVID Aid

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Mandates Porn Filter for COVID Aid

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has released its mandate for health care professionals seeking economic aid as part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes a requirement that porn blockers be installed on the computer network of any facility receiving these funds.

Section 520 of HHS’ “Relief Fund Payment Terms and Conditions” applies to all healthcare providers, whether individuals or an entity, and declares the following:

None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.

The porn-blocking requirement also bars COVID relief funds from being used for abortions or embryo research, excessive executive pay, promoting gun control or advocating for the legalization of controlled substances, such as marijuana, and "any project that entails the capture or procurement of chimpanzees obtained from the wild," among numerous other restrictions.

The HHS COVID Relief Fund Payment Terms & Conditions are available here.

COVID Relief Fund Payment Terms & Conditions

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

Pre-Nominations Now Open for 2026 TEAs

The pre-nomination period for the 2026 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) is now open.

FSC Releases Updated Age-Verification Toolkit

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the release of its updated age verification toolkit.

Duke Tax Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

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

UK Moving Ahead with Plan to Outlaw 'Choking' Content

The U.K. government has announced its intent to follow through on criminalizing “choking” content, a plan that was announced earlier this year.

Italy to Require Age Verification for Adult Sites

Italian media regulator AGCOM has announced that all sites and platforms hosting adult content will be required to implement age verification systems starting Nov. 12 to prevent access by users under 18.

'MILFlicious' Launches Through YourPaysitePartner

MILFlicious.com has officially launched through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Op-Ed: The Guardian's XBIZ Amsterdam Podcast Dismisses Creators' Experiences

British newspaper The Guardian’s podcast coverage of XBIZ Amsterdam 2025 purports to investigate the power dynamics of today’s online adult industry. Instead, it ignores creators’ voices, airs tired and outdated preconceptions about the business, and rehashes the unsupported claims of anti-pornography crusaders.

Eva Maxim, BranditScan Launch 'Killer' Promo

Eva Maxim and BranditScan have partnered for the Killer Creator Giveaway promotion.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2026 digital media conference.

AEBN Publishes Report on POV Trends

AEBN has published a report on POV and gonzo categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Show More