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 © 2026 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

MyMember.site Integrates FSC's 'PrivateAV' Age Verification Solution

MyMember.site has integrated Free Speech Coalition's PrivateAV age verification tool into its website-building platform.

Pearl Industry Network Launches Creator Networking App Beta

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched beta testing for the PiN Member App, a networking and collaboration tool for content creators.

FSC: W.V. Age Verification Law Takes Effect June 12

The Free Speech Coalition has issued a reminder notice that West Virginia's age verification law takes effect on June 12, 2026.

Pineapple Support Taps Brad Mitchell, Jean-Micheal Veen for Senior Leadership Positions

Pineapple Support has named Brad Mitchell as its new board president and Jean-Micheal Veen as technology and development chair.

WOW Tech, XR Brands Reach Settlement in Patent Infringement Dispute

XR Brands and Lovehoney Group subsidiary WOW Tech Group have settled a patent dispute over WOW's Pleasure Air Technology.

Polish Government Proposes AV Mandate for Adult Sites

Poland’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday endorsed a proposed national law that would require sites and platforms to age-verify users to prevent minors from accessing adult content online.

Brazil Launches Complaints Page for AV Violations

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Monday debuted a portal where citizens can report possible violations of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

FSC Launches 'Speak Out' Media Campaign for Creators

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the launch of FSC Speak Out, a media campaign for content creators to tell their stories.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host LGBTQ Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group for LGBTQ+ individuals within the adult industry, titled "LGBTQ and Proud."

Pornhub Awards Fiesta: A Night of Music, Dancing and Camaraderie

The eighth annual Pornhub Awards transformed Los Candiles Night Club in Glassell Park into a celebration of glamour, glitter, fashion and fame Wednesday night, as performers, creators and industry insiders toasted the year’s winners and danced late into the night while Diplo and Midnight Mary kept the party pulsing from behind the decks.

Show More