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The Battle Between Pornhub and State Lawmakers: A Deep Dive into Age Restrictions on Adult Sites

Montana and North Carolina lawmakers enforce age restrictions on Pornhub, leading to a complete ban in these states.

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In a recent turn of events, Montana and North Carolina lawmakers have successfully pushed for new laws that restrict access to adult content on popular sites like Pornhub. As of January 1st, users in these states are no longer able to access the site, as the platform refused to comply with the new age verification requirements.

The move comes as a response to growing concerns about minors accessing explicit content online. Legislators argue that pornography has a detrimental impact on minors and constitutes a public health crisis. To address these concerns, laws like Montana’s SB 544 and North Carolina’s HB 8 now mandate age verification for individuals attempting to access adult sites.

Pornhub’s parent company, Aylo, has taken a bold stance by completely disabling access to its adult platforms in these states, citing concerns about user privacy and the effectiveness of age verification processes. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between online platforms, lawmakers, and the need to protect vulnerable populations from harmful content.

While these laws aim to shield minors from explicit material, they have also sparked discussions about censorship, privacy, and the role of technology in regulating online content. Users in affected states are now exploring alternative methods, such as VPNs, to bypass these restrictions and access the content they desire.

As the debate around age restrictions on adult sites continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the balance between protecting minors and preserving freedom of expression online. It remains to be seen how other states and online platforms will respond to these evolving regulations and what impact they will have on the future of internet governance.

The clash between Pornhub and state lawmakers serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing tech policy in the digital age. As technology continues to shape our online experiences, finding a harmonious solution that safeguards users while upholding individual rights remains a complex and ongoing endeavor.

In reading the article on Gizmodo titled “Pornhub Banned in Montana and North Carolina,” it is evident that the recent legislative changes in these states represent a significant shift in the regulation of adult content online. The article delves into the intricacies of the new laws and highlights the implications for both users and platforms like Pornhub. Gizmodo provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by Aylo, Pornhub’s parent company, in balancing user privacy with compliance to age verification mandates. This coverage places the debate within a broader context of digital rights, privacy concerns, and the varying approaches to internet governance.

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Montana and North Carolina lawmakers have taken a strict stance on enforcing age restrictions on Pornhub, resulting in a complete ban of the platform in these states. This move raises important questions about the impact such laws have on individuals’ right to privacy. It is crucial to consider the implications of these measures, as they may set a precedent for further restrictions on online content. To delve deeper into this topic and explore related resources, please visit the links below.

https://gizmodo.com/pornhub-banned-in-montana-north-carolina-1851134590

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pornhub#Blocks_and_bans

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pornhub

What is Pornhub?

Pornhub is a Canadian website for sharing adult videos. It is owned by Aylo, a big company in adult entertainment. As of February 2024, Pornhub is the 13th-most-visited website in the world and the second-most-visited adult website, after XVideos.

The site allows visitors to view and share pornographic videos from various categories, like professional and amateur pornography. Users can flag content that breaks the site’s rules. The site also hosts an annual awards show.

In December 2020, after a New York Times report about non-consensual pornography and sex trafficking, Mastercard and Visa stopped their services to Pornhub. As a result, Pornhub removed all videos from unverified users, reducing the total content from 13 million to 4 million videos. A 2023 documentary, Money Shot: The Pornhub Story, discusses the criticism of Pornhub and the perspectives of some pornographic performers.

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Blocking and Banning?

Authorities and organizations worldwide have put in place different measures to limit access to and use of Pornhub.

  • In 2011, European broadband provider TalkTalk faced criticism because its internet filter didn’t block Pornhub for over a week due to child internet safety issues.[4]
  • In January 2013, CBS refused to air a non-explicit Pornhub commercial during the Super Bowl due to legal concerns.
  • In September 2013, Pornhub was blocked in China by the Great Firewall.
  • On March 12, 2014, Russia blocked Pornhub because an actress looked too young, which led some viewers to think she was a minor.
  • In September 2016, Russia blocked the site again for “spreading harmful information to children,” but it was reinstated in April 2017 with age verification measures.
  • In January 2017, the Government of the Philippines blocked Pornhub and other sites due to the Anti-Child Pornography Law.
  • In October 2018, India’s Uttarakhand High Court reinstated a ban on Pornhub but allowed exceptions for sites free of child pornography.
  • In November 2020, Thailand blocked Pornhub and other similar sites.
  • On September 3, 2022, Instagram banned Pornhub’s account indefinitely after lobbying by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation
  • On December 16, 2022, Pornhub’s YouTube account was taken down shortly after being removed from TikTok.
  • In May 2023, Utah passed a law requiring age verification for adult sites, leading Pornhub to block access for Utah users and display a message criticizing the laws.
  • In February 2024, Texas sued Pornhub for allegedly not following the state’s age verification law. As of March 2024, Pornhub and other Aylo-owned sites blocked access in Texas, displaying a message criticizing the laws.
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pornhub

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    Hal Machina is a passionate writer, blogger, and self-proclaimed journalist who explores the intersection of science, tech, and futurism. Join him on a journey into innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries! View all posts journalist

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Diana Gregory Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps on Behalf of President Biden

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Diana Gregory
L to R -Bryan C. Matthews, Medical Center Director for Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, David Peters – local leadership of the Order of St. George, Diana Gregory, Dr. Josephine Pete, Educator, and Jim Lawrence – local leadership of the Order of St. George. Image: D Gregory

Honoring Diana Gregory

In a moment that truly embodies the essence of service and community care, Diana Gregory, the visionary founder of Diana Gregory Outreach Services, has been honored with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps. This award, presented on behalf of President Joe Biden, took place during a heartfelt ceremony at the VA Health Care System in Phoenix, Arizona, organized by the dedicated leadership of The Order of St. George.

Diana’s selection for this distinguished accolade highlights her extraordinary commitment to fostering positive change and improving the lives of those in her community. Over the past decade, she has passionately addressed critical issues like food insecurity and health awareness, focusing on supporting seniors and veterans. Through her organization, Diana Gregory Outreach Services, she has distributed fresh, nutritious produce to thousands, ensuring that those in need have access to healthy food options.

But Diana’s contributions extend far beyond food distribution; she has also implemented vital health education programs that empower individuals and families, helping them to embrace wellness and make informed choices about their health. This holistic approach has created a transformative impact on underserved communities, reinforcing the importance of access to both nutrition and education.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is an honorable recognition reserved for individuals who have dedicated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. This milestone is a testament to Diana’s proactive engagement and relentless advocacy for those she serves. Her award serves not only as recognition of her achievements but also as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps and contribute to their communities.

The Order of St. George, a respected non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to refugees, veterans, and the Boy Scouts of America, proudly presented the award. Their involvement signifies the collaborative spirit of various organizations working together to uplift and empower individuals in need, underscoring how interconnected our communities truly are.

As we celebrate Diana Gregory’s well-deserved honor, we recognize the countless lives she has touched and the paths she has paved for a brighter, healthier future. Her remarkable efforts highlight the immense power of community service and the difference every individual can make when they dedicate their time and passion to helping others.

To learn more about Diana Gregory Outreach Services and how you can get involved in her inspiring mission, please visit dianagregory.com. Together, let’s continue the legacy of compassion and service that Diana has so beautifully embodied.

Congratulations, Diana Gregory, on this remarkable achievement! Your dedication is a shining example of what it means to be a true leader and advocate for community well-being. Your work inspires us all to be better, do better, and serve better.

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To learn more about Diana Gregory, visit https://dianagregory.com/

Related Link (Original Press Release):

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/177DijAbdG


The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

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Mysterious Lights Over Oregon: Pilots Report Unusual Aerial Phenomena

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Oregon

This past weekend, the skies of Oregon became the backdrop for an extraordinary event that has both puzzled and dazzled observers. At least four commercial pilots reported encountering unexplained bright lights displaying incredible speeds and erratic movements, renewing interest and debate about aerial phenomena.

The Encounter Details

The first report came from a pilot operating an air ambulance who described a startling experience. A bright, red light zoomed towards his Life Flight plane, only to reverse direction and head back towards the Pacific Ocean at bewildering speeds. The event left the pilot and his crew astounded by the light’s velocity and abrupt maneuvers.

Meanwhile, the pilot of a United Airlines flight over Eugene also reported seeing multiple mysterious objects. These unidentified lights moved vertically and horizontally in patterns that defied easy explanation, with no evidence of military activity in the area at the time.

Adding to the intrigue, the Life Flight pilot noted that one of the lights engaged in a corkscrew pattern, an observation that was corroborated by the aircraft’s collision avoidance system. Air traffic control, maintaining a cautious approach, authorized the pilot to maneuver as necessary to maintain safety.

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Spotted strange lights in Oregon’s skies? You’re not alone! UFO sightings are on the rise. #OregonUFOSightings #MysteriousLights 🛸✨ ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews

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Visual Evidence and Continued Sightings

Throughout these encounters, several pilots managed to capture brief video clips. These clips, although hard to discern due to the dark conditions, show glimpses of the unusual red, circular lights. Another report from two Horizon Airlines pilots further confirmed that whatever was out there wasn’t isolated to a single incident or observer.

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Experts Weigh In: Possible Explanations

In the wake of these mystifying sightings, experts have been quick to offer explanations. Douglas Buettner, a scientist who has researched similar incidents, suggests that these lights could likely be flares from Starlink satellites. Starlink, a constellation designed by SpaceX to provide global broadband coverage, has been known to produce vivid optical flares when its panels reflect sunlight.

Buettner’s research, which includes previous pilot reports and observations, supports the idea that this natural reflection of sunlight could explain the phenomena observed. However, he also admits the current data is insufficient to conclusively rule out other possibilities.

Government and Public Response

Following these reports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the sighting of unidentified lights by a pilot, although they have not commented further. In a recent Senate hearing, the Pentagon’s director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena indicated a spike in such reports since the launch of satellite constellations like Starlink, underscoring the growing interest and concern regarding these observations.

The Broader Implications

While the most likely explanation for these mysterious lights points to satellite flares, the repeated occurrences of such phenomena continue to stir the public’s imagination and scientific curiosity. As we advance in our technological capabilities, the skies above us grow increasingly populated with human-made objects that can sometimes return to us as bewildering spectacles.

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In either case, these events serve as a reminder of the vast and unexplored frontiers above us and the ever-present human quest for understanding the mysteries of our universe. Whether they turn out to be mundane or truly otherworldly, the skies over Oregon this weekend have given us all something to ponder and marvel at.

Related Link:

https://nbc16.com/news/local/life-flight-pilot-reports-seeing-ufo-near-eugene

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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New Jersey Drone Sightings: Unraveling the Mystery

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New Jersey
Drone flying and taking pictures of sunset against New York skyline. Adobe Stock

In recent weeks, New Jersey has increasingly found itself under the watchful eye of mysterious drones. These sightings have captivated residents and officials alike, leading to widespread speculation and calls for action. Below is a comprehensive update on the current situation regarding drone sightings in the Garden State, including insights from government officials and community reactions.

The Surge of Sightings

Reports of large drones—up to six feet in diameter—flying over various regions of New Jersey have surged since mid-November. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia highlighted the unusual characteristics of these drones, often flying with their lights off and evading detection by traditional methods. Though the origin and purpose of these drones remain unclear, many are convinced that they are not the product of hobbyists.

Notably, many sightings have been concentrated near sensitive locations such as the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research facility, and Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. Concerns have only intensified since these drones seem to be operating outside the realm of normal commercial or recreational use.

Government Investigations and Assurances

Federal and state law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have become actively involved in investigating these sightings. Despite receiving over 5,000 tips, officials state that there is currently no evidence suggesting that these drones pose a threat to national security or public safety. Instead, authorities believe that many of the reported sightings can be attributed to legal drones and other aerial phenomena, including misidentified manned aircraft and even celestial bodies like stars.

Governor Phil Murphy has reinforced this perspective, emphasizing that while drone sightings have raised valid concerns, there’s no immediate threat to public safety. The governor has called for federal assistance in the investigation and urged Congress to empower states with more authority to manage drone activities.

Congressional Response and Public Sentiment

The situation has sparked a debate among lawmakers, with some calling for stricter regulations or even a temporary ban on drone flights in New Jersey. Notably, two congressional representatives have gone so far as to request that the military intervene, highlighting the urgency felt by some constituents. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew even suggested that a foreign entity could be behind the sightings, a theory that has been categorically denied by federal officials.

Public sentiment varies significantly, with many residents expressing concerns about the unknown nature of these drones. James Edwards from Succasunna has pointed out the anxiety gripping the community, noting, “There’s so much that’s unknown,” and calling for a measured response to the sightings.

The View from Washington

At the national level, President Joe Biden has responded to the growing unease, asserting that there is nothing nefarious behind the drone sightings. He emphasized the lawful presence of over one million registered drones operating across the country and assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored.

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John Kirby, the White House National Security Advisor, reiterated that the majority of drone sightings do not indicate a coordinated threat and stem from common commercial, hobbyist, or law enforcement operations.

What Lies Ahead?

As investigations continue, officials stress the importance of discerning legitimate threats from unwarranted fears. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing dialogues both in Trenton and Washington to address public concerns and craft appropriate regulatory responses.

While the mystery of the New Jersey drones deepens, it’s vital for residents to remain calm and informed. As the investigation unravels the truths behind these sightings, a collective effort from the community, lawmakers, and federal agencies can help ensure safety and transparency in the skies above New Jersey.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to evolve, and be sure to report any new sightings or information to the appropriate authorities. Together, we can navigate the complexities of drone activity in our airspace while embracing this new technological frontier.

Related Link:

https://apnews.com/article/drones-new-jersey-what-to-know-e6f565f5d51d9d47ad140e7e7d131842

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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