The new owner of Pornhub, Canadian private equity firm Ethical Capital Partners (ECP), believes that governments should shift their approach towards online pornography. Instead of cracking down on porn websites, ECP argues that governments should take pride in sexual expression and work towards making porn a “boring” and normalized aspect of society.
In an interview with AFP, Solomon Friedman, the founder of ECP, emphasized the need for effective age verification systems to protect minors and suggested that operating systems such as Google and Apple should play a role in finding a solution.
Shifting Perspectives On Pornography
ECP’s acquisition of MindGeek, the parent company of Pornhub, has brought attention to the legal troubles surrounding the popular adult entertainment platform. Rather than solely focusing on the negative aspects associated with the industry, ECP suggests a paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards pornography.
The company believes that embracing sexual expression and promoting responsible consumption of porn can contribute to a healthier approach to adult content.
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Solomon Friedman states, “We do not want any underage users on our websites whatsoever.” This highlights ECP’s commitment to protecting minors from accessing explicit content.
However, Friedman asserts that the responsibility should not solely rest on the websites themselves but should also involve operating systems like Google and Apple in developing effective age verification solutions.
The Importance Of Effective Age Verification
ECP recognizes the need for robust age verification systems to prevent minors from accessing adult content online. While acknowledging concerns regarding privacy and data protection, the company asserts that device or browser-based verification methods are the most effective and privacy-conscious solutions. Friedman argues that these methods can achieve the dual goals of protecting children effectively and safeguarding personal data.
Friedman adds, “We are strongly in support of age verification solutions that do two things: protect children effectively and do not expose personal data.” He believes that collaboration between porn websites and operating systems, such as Google and Apple, can provide a seamless and secure age verification process, ensuring that only adults can access adult content.
Striving For Responsible Content Management
Addressing the controversy surrounding the previous allegations of hosting illicit and harmful material, Friedman asserts that the company has undergone significant changes in recent years. ECP claims to have implemented stricter content removal policies, boasting that eight million pieces of content were taken down in 2021.
While AFP cannot independently verify this claim, Friedman emphasizes that removal requests are acted upon promptly, with the content being reviewed after removal.
Friedman explains, “A content removal request automatically results in the content being removed. We review it after it’s removed.” This highlights ECP’s commitment to responsible content management and its ongoing efforts to create a safer environment for users.
Rather than cracking down on porn websites, ECP believes that governments should work towards making porn normal. While emphasizing the importance of protecting minors from accessing explicit content, ECP suggests that effective age verification systems should involve collaboration between websites and operating systems.
ECP’s commitment to responsible content management is exemplified by their claims of significant content removal and prompt review processes. As discussions continue surrounding the regulation of adult content online, ECP’s perspective invites a broader conversation on balancing freedom of expression with responsible consumption.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature Image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: India Today, LiveMint, WION
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: porn, crackdown, sexual expression, Pornhub, owner, age verification, porn videos, freedom of expression, responsible, consumption, adult content, regulation, Google, Apple
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