New Law Requires Age Verification For Adult Websites In Oklahoma, Sparking Debate Over Privacy And Free Speech

A law that requires adult websites to verify age is now in effect in Oklahoma.

But, some experts believe it is unconstitutional and could lead to some problems that may undermine the efforts to protect minors.

Most people agree kids shouldn't be exposed to inappropriate adult content.

“That’s why a bill like this is needed because this is never something that we really imagined having full access 24/7 with just the push of a button,” said Oklahoma state Senator Jerry Alvord.

That’s what led him to write Senate Bill 1959. It requires explicit websites to confirm the person using the site is an adult through a photo ID or a third-party service.

“Once the parent requests the block, the websites would block access from the identified home network or mobile device unless a user’s age is verified,” Alvord said.

But rather than creating a way to verify age, the large pornography company Pornhub turned off all access in Oklahoma.

“It’s not a real surprise, but they do have an option, and this is apparently what they’ve chosen to do for their business plan,” said Alvord. 

Alvord says because this law gives parents an option, people's rights aren't violated. But Mike Stabile with the Free Speech Coalition disagrees.

“I think that we lose our ability to go online, to be anonymous, to consume information that may be controversial but that we have a First Amendment right to access,” he said.

He also believes that because of the extra measures, the law can push people to darker parts of the internet.

“It pours gasoline on these illegal sites and these places that we actually don’t want people going,” he said. 

Stabile doesn't disagree with the goal but thinks there are other solutions. 

The Free Speech Coalition is challenging a similar age verification law in Texas. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on it in January.