Canadian Senator Revives Push for National AV Law

Canadian Senator Revives Push for National AV Law

OTTAWA, Ontario — Sen. Julie Miville-Dechêne, whose previous multiple attempts to legislate national age verification requirements all failed, has introduced a new bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

As XBIZ reported in 2022, Miville-Dechêne has repeatedly introduced measures to require adult sites to implement age verification for Canadian users. In 2024, Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne and others warned about the censorship implications of S-210, Miville-Dechêne’s last attempt to make age verification the law of the land in Canada.

The new bill, S-209, is titled “The Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.” Adult sites that fail to comply with its provisions by implementing age verification or age estimation would be subject to fines of up to $250,000 for a first offense and up to $500,000 for subsequent offenses.

Notably, the bill also requires internet service providers to block noncompliant websites. It acknowledges that such enforcement actions may result in blocking all Canadians’ access to content on such sites, including non-pornographic content.

Miville-Dechêne was questioned about the same provision in her previous bill, S-210, during a 2024 interview on the “Law Bytes” poscast. When host Michael Geist asked her about the provision's potential for blocking adults from viewing legal content, she responded, “I'm not worrying. Adults will continue to be able to watch porn.”

“The freedom of expression of porn actors cannot be more important than the protection of children,” Miville-Dechêne added.

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

FSC Submits Statement to House Committee in Support of FIRM Act

Free Speech Coalition has announced that it submitted a statement to the House Financial Services Committee in support of the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act.The announcement follows:

Plaiir Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

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

Trump Tariffs Remain in Effect Pending Appeal of Trade Court Ruling

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Thursday stayed an injunction by the U.S. Court of International Trade, delaying the trade court’s order blocking the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs, which have significantly impacted the pleasure industry.

FSC Issues Guidance on Kansas Age Verification Suits

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an advisory article for adult websites operating in Kansas, following several private lawsuits filed under the state's age verification law.

Reese Rideout Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Newly crowned XMA Creator Awards Male Clip Artist of the Year Reese Rideout has relaunched his website DrRideout.com through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Pineapple Support, SextPanther to Host 'Holistic PTSD' Support Group

Pineapple Support and SextPanther are hosting a free online support group for performers suffering from PTSD.

Fanblast Taps Nicholas H. for VP of Sales

Nicholas H. has joined Fanblast as its new vice president of sales.

Aylo, Old Pros Launch 'Sex Work and Human Trafficking' Online Panel Series

Aylo has teamed up with sex worker support organization Old Pros to launch “Sex Work and Human Trafficking,” an online community panel series aimed at educating performers and creators on preventing trafficking and exploitation, which takes place at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, May 29.

EU Investigating 4 Adult Sites for 'Suspected Breaches' of DSA

The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos for “suspected breaches” of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Commission announced in a statement Monday.

Violet Brandani: Always Creating, Always Moving

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never see coming. Case in point: Violet Brandani. After high school, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next. The only thing she knew for certain was that she craved freedom.

Show More