Adult website
Pornhub
is reportedly contesting its classification under the
European Union
's new Digital Services Act (DSA), arguing that it doesn't meet the user threshold for stricter regulations.
According to a report by news agency AFP, the
EU designated Pornhub
, along with two other adult sites, as "very large" online platforms in December 2023.
This categorization subjects them to stricter content moderation rules and increased transparency requirements.
Pornhub to go to court
Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, is reported to have filed a legal challenge with the EU's General Court, contesting both their user numbers and a specific regulation. They argue the EU miscalculated their user base and believe a requirement to make an "advertising repository" public is unlawful. The company is also seeking suspension of advertising-related obligations while the case proceeds.
Aylo reportedly claims Pornhub's published user figures in Europe are significantly lower than the 45 million monthly active user threshold set by the DSA. This threshold, or 10% of the EU's population, triggers stricter rules for online platforms, including risk mitigation reports and content moderation actions submitted to regulators.
Incidentally, Pornhub is not alone in contesting the EU's classification. Online retailers including Amazon and Zalando have also filed legal challenges against their "very large" platform designations.
The DSA applies to major online platforms with over 45 million monthly users in the EU. The law aims to combat illegal and harmful content online, requiring platforms to take swifter action on takedown requests and increase transparency on content moderation.
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