KEY POINTS

  • Pornhub has removed all user-uploaded content from its platform
  • The move comes in the wake of an expose alleging it allowed the proliferation of illegal content like rape, child porn and revenge porn
  • Competitor sites that critics say are even less regulated were trending as users jumped ship

Adult video giant Pornhub announced this week that it is removing millions of user-uploaded videos in what it called "the most comprehensive safeguards in user-generated platform history" after New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof on Dec. 4 noted that the platform had videos of exploitation and assault.

The latest news had users flocking to competitor sites in droves, with “Xvideos” trending higher on Twitter than the electoral college during its presidential vote.

Pornhub, a Canadian-owned website that launched in 2007, now only hosts videos from companies and models that have registered and verified their age and consent to be filmed. A user can still upload something of themselves, but they would need to be registered and prove their age. Also, uploading videos of third parties without their consent is not allowed, which is a boon for pornographic actors fighting piracy of their content.

After Mastercard and Visa stopped processing payments, the site was forced to make changes.

Pornhub has said it’s made changes to its policies after the allegations came to light to mitigate the spread of illegal content, and that action against the company will only hurt pornographic performers who rely on the videos for their income.

“The news [that Mastercard and Visa will halt payments] is crushing for the hundreds of thousands of models who rely on our platform for their livelihoods," Pornhub said.

Adult content giant Pornhub is turmoil over claims it let videos of child abuse, rape and revenge porn run rampant, leading Mastercard and Visa to cut payments to the site as lawmakers in Canada, where it is based, seek to hold it accountable
Adult content giant Pornhub is turmoil over claims it let videos of child abuse, rape and revenge porn run rampant, leading Mastercard and Visa to cut payments to the site as lawmakers in Canada, where it is based, seek to hold it accountable GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Ethan Miller

Both Pornhub itself and its commentators have said that while the platform might host illegal content, its more polished brand and website has much better content moderation than the competitors that might replace it. Pornhub might now have less content, but allowing uploads by only verified publishers and models ameliorates many of the complaints of activists against the porn industry.

Many, however, remain unconvinced. Of particular importance for Pornhub are voices in Canadian parliament suggesting Pornhub might be included in a 2021 bill against illegal content online.

Users wondered if the site had a future even if legal action isn’t taken.

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