Three months since the age verification mandate on adult websites, the results are in: it’s a failure. Over 80% of sites are disregarding the law, and users are bypassing restrictions with ease, particularly through the use of VPNs.
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Only 17% of Websites Truly Comply with the Law
Since the law took effect in July 2025, platforms are required to verify the age of their users. In response, major players like Pornhub and YouPorn have chosen to block access from France, criticizing the inefficiency of the methods. But what about the others? A survey of 108 major sites revealed that only 17% actually require solid proof of age. The remaining 83% merely use a simple “Yes, I am of age” button. As a result, users are flocking to these alternative sites that do not enforce the law.
Laughable Filters Circumvented by a Photo of Ronaldo
For the few sites attempting to filter, the verification systems are far from reliable. Teenagers share bypassing tricks at the click of a button. A test showed that a fake ID, a crude photomontage showing Cristiano Ronaldo smoking a cigar, passed the verification without any issues. An expert in digital identities confirms that it’s very easy to dodge these checks and that parents shouldn’t rely on this law to protect their children.
The Surge in VPN Use, the Hole in the Racket
The other major, perfectly legal loophole is the use of a VPN. This tool allows users to connect as though they are in another country, thus bypassing French law. It’s the hole in the racket
that benefits providers. A VPN company even claimed a 1000% surge in sales since the law was implemented. Blocking has become a marketing point for these businesses.
Xavier Niel Even Offers His Own VPN
The operator Free has sensed the changing winds by launching a free VPN service with its mobile plan. Xavier Niel, the head of the company, has added fuel to the fire. When asked on X whether his VPN allows access to adult sites, he simply answered “Yes”. This provocation
led child protection associations and a lawmaker to approach ARCOM. Free has remained silent on Niel’s comments.
What’s the Verdict?
This is a classic scenario of an unenforceable law on the internet. The government wanted to flex its muscles, but the web is more fluid. We end up with an absurd situation: major players are blocked, users shift to unregulated pirate
sites, and the only winners are VPN vendors. ARCOM, which claims that 10-13 year-olds do not use VPNs, seems to be living in 2010. It’s a political stance that completely ignores the technical reality and actual usage.