European Court of Justice approves age verification on pornographic websites in the EU

Luxembourg – June 16, 2026: The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued a landmark ruling confirming that EU Member States may require pornographic websites to verify users’ ages. This applies even if users reside in other EU Member States. The ruling ends a years-long legal dispute between French authorities and pornographic website operators.

The case was based on a French law requiring operators of pornographic content to prevent access by minors. Operators must introduce age-verification systems to ensure that users under the age of 18 are excluded. Some operators, particularly Webgroup Czech Republic and NKL Associates, which operate the Xvideos and XNXX platforms, resisted, considering the provision to be contrary to EU law.

The ECJ ruled that this type of national regulation is permissible in principle. However, it applies only where the regulation is proportionate and does not excessively restrict the fundamental freedoms of the single market. It also clarified that a Member State seeking to take such measures must first ask the Member State where the operator is established to voluntarily take appropriate measures to protect minors.

The ruling has significant implications for European legislation on youth protection on the internet. It strengthens the right of Member States to enforce age-verification rules against websites operated outside their own country and emphasizes the responsibility of platform operators to protect minors effectively.

In France, the ruling has led to stronger enforcement of existing regulations. In March 2025, an interministerial decree had already entered into force requiring operators of pornographic platforms based in other EU Member States to introduce age-verification systems. Companies such as Aylo, which operates YouPorn and Pornhub, temporarily blocked access from France and initiated legal action in response. However, France’s highest administrative authority, the Conseil d’État, upheld the age-verification requirement in September 2025 and dismissed the operators’ claims.

The ruling sends a clear message about the importance of protecting minors in the digital space. The decision is expected to contribute to the harmonization of youth protection rules within the European Union and serve as a basis for other Member States when adopting similar legal measures. It also makes it possible to apply national age-verification laws to providers operating across borders, strengthening their digital responsibility.

In summary, this ECJ ruling marks an important turning point in balancing the fundamental freedoms of the single market with youth protection on the internet. It demonstrates the growing importance of protecting minors in the age of digitalization and strengthens the framework for Member States to effectively restrict minors’ access to pornographic content.