France has implemented a new age verification standard for adult content websites, requiring robust measures to prevent minors from accessing explicit material. This initiative, which came into full effect on April 11, mandates that all websites displaying adult content accessible in France must integrate age verification systems, including methods utilizing "double-blind" technology.

Regulatory Framework and Implementation

The new law, enforced by the French broadcasting and digital regulator Arcom, applies to all websites accessible within France, irrespective of their hosting location. This requirement is part of the broader Sécurité et régulation de l’espace numérique (SREN) framework, which aims to enhance online safety, particularly for minors.

The legislative journey for this standard began in 2020. While Article 227-24 of the French Criminal Code has prohibited exposing minors to pornographic content since March 1, 1994, it was not until 2020 that the article specified a simple declaration of age as insufficient proof of age. In July 2020, Law No. 2020-936, designed to protect victims of domestic violence, introduced a special procedure. This procedure empowers Arcom to issue notices to editors of pornographic sites to ensure compliance with the law and to seek court orders for blocking noncompliant sites. A decree was subsequently published under powers granted by Article 23 of Law No. 2020-936, concerning the implementation of these measures.

On October 11, 2024, France's Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority, Arcom, published the final version of its standard for age verification systems for pornographic sites. This standard mandates that services or sites broadcasting pornographic content must adhere to strict technical requirements concerning the reliability of age checks and the protection of user privacy. The standard was developed in consultation with France’s data protection authority, CNIL, aiming to balance privacy considerations with child protection.

Technical Requirements and "Double-Blind" Technology

Under the new law, platforms must provide users with multiple options to verify their age, with at least one method employing "double-blind" technology. The "double-blind" model is designed to ensure complete anonymity for users. This means that pornographic websites remain unaware of the identity of the user undergoing verification, while the age verification provider cannot ascertain which specific platform the individual is accessing.

This approach sets a new benchmark in age verification, primarily intended to protect minors from accessing pornographic content. The standard may also serve as a model for other industries that require age verification. Stakeholders involved in implementing age verification are encouraged to understand the requirements outlined in the standard and their potential impact on age verification processes within their platforms.

Industry Response and Partnerships

In response to these new requirements, safety technology company Verifymy and digital trust specialist ID x LAB have announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to deliver a comprehensive, integrated age verification service named AnonymAGE, which meets Arcom’s criteria.

Jacky Lamraoui, founding chairman of ID x LAB, stated that this partnership aligns with their commitment to excellence and their ambition to become a long-term player in the French and international age verification market. He added that the partnership will enable them to offer a standard that can be easily deployed in other areas and activities reserved for adults.

Andy Lulham, Verifymy’s chief operating officer, noted that none of their existing methods involve a user’s personal data being shared with an adult entertainment platform. This highlights the emphasis on privacy within the new age verification framework.

Key Facts

  • France's new age verification law for adult content websites came into full effect on April 11.
  • The law requires all adult content websites accessible in France to implement robust age verification measures.
  • At least one age verification method must utilize "double-blind" technology to ensure user anonymity.
  • The French broadcasting and digital regulator, Arcom, is responsible for enforcing the law.
  • The standard was developed in consultation with France’s data protection authority, CNIL.
  • Verifymy and ID x LAB have partnered to offer AnonymAGE, an integrated age verification service compliant with Arcom's criteria.