New Year New Rules if You Want to Watch Porn in Louisiana

Among the many new laws which will go into effect when the calendar page turns to the year 2023 this weekend is one that will affect the viewing habits of many internet users in Louisiana. A recent study done by the British Broadcasting Company suggested that 37% of all the material available online is "pornographic in nature".

There is a fine line between free speech, freedom of the Internet, and a community or family's right to set standards for what is and what is not allowable. As of January 1st that fine line will become harder to cross for those not old enough to access adult content online.

This summer the Louisiana Legislature passed HB 142. The summary for that legislation reads like this, "Provides for liability for publishers and distributors of material harmful to minors". In other words, if you want to view pornographic material or view material from websites where more than 1/3 of the content is considered to be pornographic in nature, you're going to have to prove you're old enough.

The legislation passed by lawmakers this summer will require sites that provide such services to actually verify the ages of those attempting to gain access to the adult content. You can read the legislation right here.  According to Laurie Schlegel, a staunch supporter of the new law, age verification could be done through smartphone apps such as LA Wallet.

The site would not access any other personal information such as where you are, who you are, or where you live. It would simply look at the date of birth. There will be other methods for you to provide verification of age if you don't have the LA Wallet but there will be more steps. It is important to note that in each case the website seeking age verification may not use or retain any information that is gleaned in order to verify your age.

The law also puts the burden of age verification and proof thereof on the website or provider. Failing to do so could result in litigation so the new law does have some teeth to it.

Similar legislation is currently being proposed on a national level. Many healthcare providers say the use of porn and porn addiction has been found to be contributing factors to medical conditions such as depression, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and lack of motivation. Many doctors say they are seeing younger and younger patients each year who have developed a problem with pornography.

The new legislation is one of several new laws that are set to take effect on January 1, 2023.