Ohio Mandates Age Verification for Accessing Adult Websites

On September 29, 2025, the state of Ohio will require adult websites to verify age of the user before granting access to explicit content. 

This action was signed into law by State Governor Mike DeWine as part of the 2 year operating budget of Ohio. This law mandates that users provide proof of age, such as a government-issued ID, mortgage, or employment verification, while visiting the restricted sites.

Websites hosting pornographic or “harmful to juveniles” content must confirm visitors are over 18 years and immediately delete identification documents post-verification, unless the user has a subscription. Platforms must also use location technology to ensure Ohio-specific compliance.

The Ohio Attorney General will be the sole enforcer of the law using civil lawsuits. The provision is an extension of two earlier legislative campaigns by Rep. Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.). 

Demetriou has pointed out the necessity to update the screening of minors on the Internet. He cited research showing that exposure to violent adult content is linked to an increase in sexually aggressive behavior and greater feelings of social isolation among viewers. Studies suggest that individuals who frequently consume such material are more likely to exhibit harmful attitudes and behaviors

It has been backed by Attorney General Dave Yost, the Center for Christian Virtue, and the Catholic Conference of Ohio. 

Nevertheless, there have been criticisms against the law. Gary Daniels of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) has cautioned that such laws will endanger the possibility of overreach and such laws have historically clamped on more general material such as films and sex education.

The law of age verification in the state of Ohio is under examination on whether it violates free speech, since lawsuits have been filed against the state by organizations such as NetChoice and Free Speech Coalition. Although NetChoice just obtained an injunction against a similar social media law. 

A Supreme Court decision confirmed that a comparable Texas law might give the state of Ohio strength in the future.

There are now 21 states in the United States that enforce age verification for accessing adult content, and several more, including Ohio, Missouri, Arizona, and North Dakota, are going to do so soon. In its turn, big adult websites such as PornHub have already blocked underage visitors in some regions worldwide. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for access to online pornography, establishing a legal precedent that may strengthen enforcement efforts in Ohio.