Florida AG Uthmeier Sues Multiple Porn Sites Over Age Verification Violations

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed civil lawsuits against several online pornography companies, including those operating XVideos.com, XNXX.com, and GirlsGoneWild.com, for violating the state's age verification law that took effect on January 1, 2025. The law, House Bill 3, requires commercial entities distributing sexually explicit material online to verify that users are at least 18 years old to prevent minors from accessing harmful content. Despite warnings and demand letters sent in April, these companies, many based in the Czech Republic but with Florida offices, have not complied, prompting Uthmeier to seek injunctions, civil penalties, and divestiture of domain names. Uthmeier accuses these companies of willfully preying on children and teens for financial gain and argues their actions constitute unfair and deceptive trade practices under Florida law. Although the law's enforcement is currently halted by a federal judge due to First Amendment challenges, Uthmeier insists on pursuing legal action to protect minors from exposure to explicit content. The lawsuits highlight ongoing tensions between state regulatory efforts and legal challenges concerning internet content and age verification.