Demand for Virtual Private Network (VPN) services in Florida has escalated following Pornhub’s decision to block access to its site from users within the state. The spike aligned with the implementation of House Bill 3 (HB3), a new law signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, requiring age verification for accessing pornographic websites.
The fallout from Pornhub’s geo-block was immediate. The vpnMentor Research Team reported a dramatic increase in VPN demand across Florida, with usage skyrocketing by an unprecedented 1,150% just four hours after HB3 went into effect.
The surge began in the final minutes of December 31, 2024, as users sought ways to bypass the site’s restrictions. This follows a 51% rise in VPN demand on December 19, 2024, the day after Aylo announced its decision to block Florida-based users.
VPNs allow users to mask their IP addresses, effectively bypassing geographic restrictions while enhancing online privacy. This technology has become a popular tool for users in states facing similar restrictions on adult content.
Signed into law on March 25, 2024, HB3 imposes strict requirements for age verification on adult content platforms, with fines of up to $50,000 for non-compliance. According to INDEPENDENT, over one-third of U.S. states are said to have implemented restrictions on online adult content, limiting access to popular websites like Pornhub.
The legislation, which took effect on January 1, 2025, aims to regulate access to explicit content but has sparked significant controversy in the online community. As a result, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee are said to have joined the list, bringing the total number of states requiring age verification for users accessing pornographic sites to 17.
Florida’s experience mirrors similar trends in other states where Pornhub has implemented geo-blocks. For instance, the platform’s 2023 ban on Utah users following the state’s age verification law led to a 967% spike in VPN demand. These increases highlight the growing reliance on VPNs as regulatory frameworks for online activity become more stringent.
In response, Aylo, Pornhub’s parent company, announced on December 18, 2024, that it would block access to its site for users geographically located in Florida as a protest against the new regulations. The move made Florida the 13th state to face such restrictions, joining others like Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
Florida’s HB3 and the subsequent rise in VPN usage underscore the complex relationship between technology, privacy, and regulation. While lawmakers seek to safeguard minors, critics argue that such laws infringe on privacy and disproportionately affect users’ access to content. This shows the unintended consequences of regulatory actions, with users turning to technology to circumvent restrictions.
As the debate over online privacy and regulation continues, the demand for tools like VPNs is likely to remain a significant part of the conversation.
