LOS ANGELES — Cherie DeVille has written an essay for Rolling Stone expressing concern about a new Utah law requiring adult sites to verify users’ ages.
The piece, titled “When You Try to Watch Pornhub in Utah, You See Me Instead. Here’s Why,” was published Sunday and explores the myriad issues with Utah’s new legislation, as well as a potential resolution.
“The state launched a new law requiring users to verify their ages via uploading their licenses or other invasive procedures,” DeVille writes. “In response, Pornhub blocked Utah residents from streaming videos on their site. When they log on, they see a public service announcement where I explain the problem with the law. Grown-ass men are struggling to get around my PSA, but I assure you teenage boys are not… they understand how to use a VPN to evade any current content restrictions.”
Since VPNs allow users to change their IP address location, DeVille notes, teenagers can evade Utah’s ID requirements in seconds.
“Far shorter than it takes to even watch my PSA,” she adds. “Nobody wants to ban minors from watching porn more than me, but Utah’s law fails to address the problem. We need smartphones and computers specifically created for minors which block all forms of adult content, not just porn. If parents gave their children these devices, they would know that their kids weren’t looking at porn, even when they’re busy at work.”
Politicians, DeVille concludes in the piece, “should have solved these problems and found better ways to protect our children decades ago, and the adult industry would have supported their actions. Adult entertainment companies and porn performers hate minors watching our content. We also understand the internet better than anyone. After all, everything from streaming to chatbots to video chats began with our industry. Why not listen to our solutions instead of those of old politicians who’ve never heard of VPNs?”
To read “When You Try to Watch Pornhub in Utah, You See Me Instead. Here’s Why,” visit RollingStone.com.
Main Image: Cherie DeVille (Photo: Gustavo Turner)
