The Rise of VPNs in the Face of Restricted Porn Access  

It was not too long ago (think the 1990s) in the history of the internet when virtual private networks (VPNs) were a technology tool the average consumer knew nothing about. Today, we're seeing a rise of VPNs and what could be a boon for the industry.

VPNs were something used by large companies to keep their data private and secure by creating an encrypted connection between computer systems and the internet.

But this all changed beginning in the 2000s when more and more consumers found themselves the victims of massive data breaches while learning about the perils of the dark web – part of the internet that isn’t visible to search engines.

With increasing consumer concerns came the rise of VPNs as a household tool used to protect people’s personal and private information while they surf the internet.

And today, as more and more states implement age verification laws, we’re seeing another wave in the rise of VPNs. Some consumers are turning to these tools to access adult content where it’s restricted by changing their computers’ IP addresses – a string of numbers that identifies a computer and its physical location.

According to the Free Speech Coalition, as of March 26, 2024, age verification laws are in effect in Arkansas, Louisiana, Montana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia, and other States are considering legislation.

These laws seek to protect minors from accessing adult content online by requiring users to prove they are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition worries that these age verification laws infringe on users’ free speech and constitutional rights.

In response to these restrictive laws, PornHub blocked users access to their network in Texas, Utah, Arkansas, Virgina, Montana, and North Carolina. That network includes adult websites Brazzers, RedTube, YouPorn and others.

Blocked Access to Porn Leads to Rise of VPNs

The decision to block access has turned out to be a boon for the VPN industry. Following the block, Texas saw a 400% increase in web searches for VPNs, according to Google data. A VPN would allow consumers to hide their internet connections and locations and skirt around geo-restricted adult content.

In defending its decision, PornHub issued a statement, saying, “While these new laws (age verification) claim to protect children from accessing harmful material online – something we fully support – they not only fail to do this, but also jeopardize user safety and privacy.”

In those blocked states, PornHub users are redirected to a video from adult performer Cherie Deville, explaining the company’s decision.

In surveying consumers, Forbes Advisors found that 66% of those surveyed use VPNs to protect their personal data and 80% of them use it for increased security.

Additionally, 30% of those surveyed use VPNs for two-factor authentication – an additional security method that requires two forms of identification to access data.

Increased competition in the VPN industry has led to more affordable tools with better connection speeds and easy-to-use systems for consumers. ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, and many others offer consumers a variety of choices and the ability to find a personalized protection solution that provides speed, security, and privacy.

NordVPN promotes its tool as providing peace of mind for consumers surfing the internet while traveling, on public Wi-Fi, online shopping, gaming, and streaming.

But as recently as this past week, consumers were rattled when AT&T announced another massive data breach impacting as many as 73 million current and former AT&T account holders. According to the company, customers’ personal information, including social security numbers, was released on the dark web weeks earlier.

AT&T has launched an investigation and is trying to determine if the breach was caused by the company or one of its vendors.

With these ongoing data breaches that could lead to identity theft and other long-term impacts and with an increasing number of states implementing age verification laws, the rise of the VPN industry is here to stay.

These tools have come to provide consumers peace of mind that their systems at home are safe and secure, and they could provide users in some states access to adult content where restricted.