Louisiana Requires ID for Porn Sites
As of January 1st, Louisiana residents now need to submit government identification to access certain websites that contain a substantial portion of explicit material on their website.
The “material” specifically outlined in Act 440 contains the following: pubic hair, anus, vulva, genitals, or nipple of the female breast, touching, caressing, or fondling of nipples, breasts, buttocks, anuses, or genitals. Sexual intercourse, masturbation, sodomy, bestiality, oral copulation, flagellation, excretory functions, exhibitions, or any other sexual act. A substantial portion is specifically defined in the law as 33.3% of the total amount of material on the website. However, there is an exception to the law, if the material contains a serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
The repercussions fall on the site itself as the sites can be held liable in a court of law. The website operators and owners can be sued for damages caused by the distribution of harmful materials to minors if these websites do not implement an age identification system.
How is it Done?
If an IP address from Louisana attempts to connect to the site it will redirect the user to AllPassTrust. From there, it connects to LAWallet, a digital driver’s license service for Louisiana residents, that is operated by a Louisiana-based company Envoc.
AllPassTrust will see if the user is 18+ and then report back to the site asking with a response of Yes/Pass or No/Fail if the user is 18+ or older. The site attempting to be accessed will not have any personal information about the user. AllPassTrust and Envoc will have access to personal information.
