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How to bypass US porn ban with VPN: US age verification laws explained


If you're wondering what's happening with the recent US porn ban and age verification laws, you're not alone. With new regulations being introduced across various states, many are asking, "Is porn illegal in the US?" or searching for ways to bypass these restrictions. While it's not illegal, several states have passed laws requiring age verification before accessing adult content online.

This means you need to prove your age before you can view certain websites, which has raised concerns about privacy and accessibility. These measures, aimed at protecting minors, have left many adults frustrated and looking for solutions to navigate these restrictions. One effective method to bypass the porn ban and access content securely is using a VPN. A VPN masks your location, allowing you to enjoy online privacy while sidestepping age verification checks. In this guide, I’ll explore how a VPN can help you bypass US porn ban.

Bypass US porn ban with NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent tool to bypass age verification requirements and porn ban in US. It offers strong unblocking capabilities, a wide server network, and robust security and privacy practices, all allowing easy access to adult content in US.
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How to bypass US porn ban with a VPN?

how to bypass us porn ban with vpn
  1. Choose a VPN. NordVPN is recommended, now 74% off
  2. Install the VPN app
  3. Connect to a server in a region without restrictions (like Canada or Germany)
  4. Visit your chosen site without any age verification hassles

What is the US porn ban?

The US porn ban refers to a growing trend of state laws that require age verification to access adult content online. These age verification laws are aimed at protecting minors by ensuring that only adults can view explicit material. However, they’ve sparked significant debate over privacy and accessibility. While porn isn't illegal in the US, various states have introduced legislation that requires users to submit sensitive personal information to verify their age before accessing adult websites.

For example, states like Louisiana and Utah have already implemented these measures, and others are quickly following suit. Some proposed laws go even further, suggesting that all electronic devices be sold with porn-blocking filters enabled by default. This shift is impacting not only consumers, who fear their privacy may be compromised, but also the porn industry, which faces challenges in complying with these laws while maintaining user trust. As a result, many adults are seeking ways to bypass these restrictions and protect their online privacy.

Best VPNs to bypass US porn ban – shortlist

Finding the right VPN to bypass the US porn ban can be overwhelming, but we've done the hard work for you. I've tested these VPNs to ensure they offer strong security, solid privacy features, and consistently bypass geo-restrictions. This shortlist includes only those VPNs with a proven track record of keeping your online activity private and allowing you to access adult content without hassle. I know how important it is to stay anonymous and secure while browsing, so these VPNs are not just about accessing restricted content – they’re about giving you peace of mind every time you go online.

Comparison of the best US porn ban VPNs

To help you choose the right VPN for bypassing the US porn ban, I've compared three top VPN services: NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish. In the table below, I look at key factors such as speed, server network, price, and customer support. These features are essential to ensure you get a VPN that not only bypasses restrictions but also provides a seamless, secure, and user-friendly experience.

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanish
Rating
4.9
4.7
4.5
Speed90%86%80%
Server network630032002400
Price$3.09/month$2.19/month$2.19/month
Customer support24/7 live chat support24/7 live chat support24/7 live chat support
Devices supportedUp to 10 devices simultaneouslyUnlimited devicesUnlimited devices
Privacy featuresDouble VPN, Onion over VPNCleanWeb, MultiHopStrong encryption, no-logs policy

How we selected the best US porn ban VPNs

When it came to finding the best VPNs to bypass the US porn ban, we didn’t just look at the marketing hype. We got hands-on and tested these VPNs ourselves to ensure they deliver where it really counts. Here's a closer look at what we focused on during VPN testing:

  1. Security and privacy features. Your privacy is the top concern, so we prioritized VPNs that offer strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like kill switches and DNS leak protection. We wanted to ensure that your online activity remains private and secure, even while accessing adult content.
  2. Speed and performance. No one wants to deal with buffering or slow-loading pages, especially when streaming. The Cybernews research team tested each VPN’s speed by connecting to various servers and running real-world streaming tests. Only the VPNs that provided consistently fast and stable connections made it onto our list.
  3. Server network. To give you the best chance of bypassing geo-restrictions, we looked for VPNs with a large and diverse server network. This means plenty of options to connect to servers in regions where there are no porn bans, ensuring you can always find a fast and unrestricted connection.
  4. Ease of use. We know not everyone is a tech expert, so we tested the user interfaces and setup processes of each VPN. We chose VPNs that are easy to install and use, with intuitive apps and settings that don’t require a tech manual to understand.
  5. Customer support. Sometimes things go wrong, and when they do, it’s good to know there’s someone there to help. We evaluated each VPN’s customer support, prioritizing those with 24/7 live chat and responsive, helpful support teams that are quick to resolve issues.
  6. Affordability. I get it – nobody wants to spend a fortune on a VPN. So, we made sure to include options that offer great value for money, balancing cost with features so you can stay secure without overspending.

To find the best VPNs, we put them through their paces by simulating what you might do: accessing adult sites from different US states, connecting to servers around the world, and monitoring connection speed and reliability. The Cybernews research team also checked privacy policies and ran tests to make sure there were no IP or DNS leaks. This hands-on approach helped us ensure that our recommended VPNs are not just secure and private, but also practical and effective for bypassing the US porn ban.

How age verification is supposed to work?

Age verification aims to ensure only adults access certain online content. Typically, when visiting a site with adult material, users are prompted to confirm their age. This can range from a simple checkbox to more stringent measures like uploading a government-issued ID or using third-party services to verify personal details. Once verified, access to the site is granted.

Stripchat-age-verification-step-verify-your-age.png
Stripchat age verification

While age verification intends to protect minors, it comes with several challenges. Privacy is a major concern, as users worry about sharing sensitive information online, risking data breaches or identity theft. The effectiveness of these systems is also questionable, as they can be easily bypassed with fake IDs or other methods. Additionally, the cost and complexity of implementing robust age checks can be prohibitive for smaller websites, leading to inconsistent enforcement. These challenges often drive users to seek alternative methods to maintain privacy and access content securely.

How a VPN can help bypass US porn ban

If you’re looking to bypass the US porn ban, a VPN can be your best friend. Here’s how it works: when you connect to the internet, your device is assigned an IP address, which basically tells websites where you’re located. A VPN masks your IP address by routing your internet traffic through a server in another location. This makes it appear as though you’re browsing from a different country, effectively hiding your real location.

By using a VPN, you can connect to a server in a region where the US porn ban and age verification laws don’t apply. This allows you to access adult content without dealing with the annoying verification processes. Plus, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, adding an extra layer of security and privacy.

However, it’s important to be aware of some potential limitations and risks. Not all VPNs are created equal some may have slower speeds, which can affect your browsing experience, especially if you’re streaming videos. Additionally, free or less reputable VPNs might not provide the same level of privacy and security, potentially exposing your data.

There’s also the chance that certain websites or services might detect and block VPN traffic. In such cases, you might need to try different servers or even switch to a different VPN provider. Lastly, while a VPN can help protect your privacy, it doesn’t make you completely anonymous online. It’s still important to be mindful of what information you share and to use trusted, reliable VPN services.

Pornography laws by state

Pornography laws in the United States vary widely from state to state, making it crucial to understand the specific regulations in your area. While accessing and possessing adult content is generally legal across the country, some states have taken steps to regulate how this content is accessed online, especially concerning minors.

pornography laws by states
Pornography laws by state, as shown on a U.S. map, updated in August 2024

Currently, 13 states have implemented age verification laws that require users to prove they are 18 or older before accessing pornographic websites. These states have enforced measures to protect minors from exposure to adult content by requiring websites to ask for age verification through various methods, such as ID checks or third-party verification services.

In addition to these 13 states, two more scheduled for October and November 2024 will soon enforce age verification laws. Looking further ahead, four additional states plan to implement these laws in 2025. As these regulations grow, many people are asking, “What states banned porn?” or “Which states are requiring age verification?”

While these measures aim to protect children, they also raise concerns about privacy, accessibility, and the practicality of enforcement across different platforms.

Editor's note

Please note that pornography laws are complex and can change frequently. This overview provides general information but may not capture all details or nuances of state-specific legislation.

US statePorn law effectiveMore information
CaliforniaNo
TexasYes 🔒HB 1181, effective since September 1, 2023
FloridaNoScheduled for January 1, 2025
New YorkNo
PennsylvaniaNo
IllinoisNo
OhioNo
GeorgiaNoScheduled for July 1, 2025
North CarolinaYes 🔒House Bill 971, effective since July 1, 2023
MichiganNo
New JerseyNo
VirginiaYes 🔒SB 1515, effective since May 12, 2023
WashingtonNo
ArizonaNo
MassachusettsNo
TennesseeNoScheduled for January 1, 2025
IndianaYes 🔒SB 17, effective since July 1st, 2024
MarylandNo
MissouriNo
WisconsinNo
ColoradoNo
MinnesotaNo
South CarolinaNoScheduled for January 1, 2025
AlabamaNoScheduled for October 1, 2024
LouisianaYes 🔒SB 162, effective since July 1, 2024
KentuckyYes 🔒HB 278, effective since July 15, 2024
OregonNo
OklahomaNoScheduled for October 1, 2024
ConnecticutNo
UtahYes 🔒SB 287, effective since March 1, 2024
IowaNo
NevadaNo
ArkansasYes 🔒SB 66, effective since August 1, 2023
MississippiYes 🔒SB 2346, effective since July 1, 2023
KansasYes 🔒SB 394, scheduled for January 1, 2025
New MexicoNo
NebraskaYes 🔒LB 1092, effective since March 24, 2024
IdahoYes 🔒HB 498, effective since July 1, 2024
West VirginiaNo
HawaiiNo
New HampshireNo
MaineNo
Rhode IslandNo
MontanaYes 🔒HB 544, effective since January 1, 2024
DelawareNo
South DakotaNo
North DakotaNo
AlaskaNo
VermontNo
WyomingNo
  • Note: Last updated on August 27, 2024

How porn sites are dealing with porn ban law in the US

The new US porn ban and age verification laws are forcing adult websites to change how they operate, and each site is handling it differently. Some are adapting to the new rules by implementing age checks. For example, Chaturbate and xHamster now ask users to verify their age in several states. Pornhub, Redtube, and YouPorn have followed suit, but only in Louisiana for now, where strict age verification is already required.

However, not all sites want to deal with verifying users' ages. Major sites under the Aylo group – like Pornhub, Redtube, YouPorn, and Brazzers – have decided to block access entirely in states with these laws. This way, they avoid the risks of handling sensitive user data and stay on the safe side of the law.

Other sites are taking a different approach. Spankbang, for instance, is redirecting users to other websites rather than directly dealing with age verification or blocking access. This allows them to keep users engaged without getting caught up in the legal complexities.

Because of these varying approaches, the availability of adult content now depends heavily on where you live in the US. As more states look into age verification laws, we might see more changes in how porn sites operate – some adapting with age checks, others blocking access, and a few finding creative ways to get around the new rules.

Interesting fact

Did you know that in some states, simply having a lot of adult content on a site – say, one-third of the total content – can trigger strict legal requirements? That’s exactly why big names like Pornhub are choosing to exit certain states altogether. If these sites don’t play by the rules, they could face heavy penalties, like massive fines or even lawsuits. It’s no wonder some of the biggest players in the industry are opting to block access completely instead of risking these legal headaches.

Controversy of the US porn ban a.k.a. age verification law

The US porn ban, or age verification laws, has stirred up a lot of debate, affecting everyone from state governments to adult websites and everyday users.

Governments. Many state governments argue that age verification is essential to protect kids from stumbling onto explicit content. Their intentions are good – they want a safer internet for children. But here's the problem: with each state coming up with its own rules, there's a confusing mix of regulations. This patchwork makes enforcement tricky and raises big questions about privacy, freedom of speech, and how these laws can realistically be applied.

Porn sites. For adult websites, these laws are a major headache. Complying with strict age checks isn't just expensive and technically challenging – it also risks alienating users. Some big sites like Pornhub, Redtube, and YouPorn have decided it's easier to block access entirely in certain states than to deal with the legal risks. Others have implemented age checks, but that can scare users away, especially those who don’t want to share personal info.

Users. The people who feel this the most are the users. Many are uncomfortable with the idea of handing over personal information just to access adult content. Concerns about privacy, data breaches, and misuse of information are real. As a result, more users are looking for ways around these restrictions, like using VPNs, raising doubts about how effective these laws really are.

These age verification laws have sparked a real debate about how to protect kids online without infringing on personal privacy and freedom.

Final thoughts

The controversy around the US porn ban and age verification laws brings up important issues about privacy, freedom, and protecting minors online. State governments push these laws to shield children from adult content, but inconsistent regulations and enforcement challenges make compliance difficult. Adult sites face tough choices, with some opting to block access entirely to avoid legal risks, while others use age verification methods that can drive users away. For users, privacy concerns are a significant worry, making many hesitant to share personal information just to access content.

Legal compliance is crucial for adult sites to avoid penalties and stay operational, but these regulations also highlight the need for balance between protecting minors and respecting user privacy. For those who want to maintain access to adult content without the hassle of age verification, a VPN is an effective tool for bypassing geo-restrictions in states with strict laws.

If you're looking for a reliable VPN, we recommend NordVPN. It offers strong security features, fast and stable connections, and a vast server network that makes it easy to bypass restrictions while keeping your online activities private and secure.

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