Ohio mandates state ID to access pornography online

Ohio lawmakers are proposing a new bill that would require people to submit state IDs to access pornographic websites. This measure aims to prevent children and teenagers from viewing explicit content online. The bill, known as H.B. 84, has been introduced by Republican representatives Steve Demetriou and Josh Williams. They argue that current age verification methods are ineffective and want to impose stricter regulations on adult websites. Users may need to upload a photo of their ID or provide personal information, which could be checked against other databases. Many individuals, like Cleveland resident Mallory McMaster, express concerns about privacy and potential data leaks. McMaster likened the bill to George Orwell's fictional surveillance state, saying it could lead to abuse of personal information. She worries that sensitive data could be hacked or misused by law enforcement. Demetriou insists that companies must protect user data and that such information would not be stored long-term. However, critics argue that requiring IDs could drive users to less regulated sites on the internet, making it harder to ensure safety. The bill also seeks to criminalize the use of artificial intelligence to create explicit content featuring children or nonconsenting adults. A notable company, Aylo, which owns PornHub, stated that while they support age verification, current proposals could endanger user privacy. Lawmakers noted they would consider concerns about pushing users to underground sites. They aim to create a system similar to age checks used for online gambling in Ohio. The bill is still under discussion, with some lawmakers focusing on other pressing issues like taxes and inflation instead.