Ohio lawmakers work to close loophole in state’s age verification law for adult websites

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio lawmakers are attempting to eliminate a loophole that has allowed adult websites to bypass the state’s recently passed age verification law. 

A measure passed in the state’s two-year operating budget requires porn websites, along with any online platforms that host a “significant” amount of content that is “obscene or harmful to juveniles,” to verify their visitors are adults. The requirement and other policy changes included in the budget went into effect on Sept. 30. 

The new law mandates such websites confirm users’ ages by obtaining a copy of their government-issued photo ID or other age-verifying documents, such as proof of a mortgage or employment. Under the statute, distributors of online pornography are required to “immediately” delete these documents after the verification is complete, unless a user maintains an account or subscription.

To ensure Ohio users’ ages are verified, platforms are responsible for using technology to monitor the location of their visitors. 

However, an October review of 20 “top pornography websites” completed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office found that only one was complying with the statute. PornHub, the most popular adult content website in the country, is among those that have been ignoring the law. See earlier coverage in the video player above.

Ohio’s law specifically exempts interactive computer services, mirroring federal Section 230 protections, which shield platforms from liability for user-posted content. In a statement sent to NBC4, PornHub’s parent company Aylo said that it is classified as an interactive computer service, so it does not need to abide by Ohio’s law.

“As a provider of an ‘interactive computer service’ as defined under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, it is our understanding that we are not subject to the obligations under section 1349.10 of the Ohio Revised Code regarding mandated age verification for the ‘interactive computer services’ we provide, such as Pornhub,” the company said.

Lawmakers are now trying to ensure porn websites comply by passing a reworked version of House Bill 84, the original legislation added to the state budget. Reps. Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Township) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) are sponsoring the bill, which was first introduced in February 2025.

The amended bill clarifies that certain entities hosting adult content are not exempt from the age verification rules even if they would normally qualify as interactive computer services. It would also strengthen enforcement by allowing the Ohio Attorney General to seek civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation. The original law allows the attorney general to file a civil action, but does not set fixed penalties. 

“Unfortunately, some websites have attempted to exploit loopholes to avoid complying with the law and continue exposing minors to explicit material,” Williams said. “This legislation closes that gap and ensures the law functions as intended.”

The amended bill has been approved by the Ohio House Technology and Innovation Committee and is awaiting a vote by the full House. If it clears the House, it will move to the Senate for consideration. 

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