CYBERSPACE—MelRose Michaels, a vocal advocate for online adult creators and founder of Sex Work CEO, has challenged the effectiveness and intentions behind the current age verification policies in the United States in a new YouTube video titled, "Destroying Age Verification in Less Than 5 Minutes | Exposing the Truth."
In this video, Michaels opposed these laws which are claimed to protect minors and enhance online safety.
Michaels exposed how these policies not only fail to protect children but also pose significant threats to privacy and internet safety. By requiring ID verification for adult content, these laws risk personal data by potentially sharing it with various third parties, including banks and other institutions. This can lead to unintended consequences such as discrimination and increased vulnerability to phishing scams.
The video also highlighted the ease with which these age verification mechanisms can be bypassed, such as through the use of VPNs, rendering the policies ineffective. Moreover, it raises concerns about driving users towards unregulated and potentially harmful platforms outside the jurisdiction of U.S. laws, thereby increasing exposure to dangerous content.
Michaels argued that these policies do not make the internet a safer place but rather complicate and compromise lawful and consensual adult content creation and consumption. She called upon viewers to actively oppose such legislation and advocate for their right to privacy and safe, consensual adult content.
Said Michaels, "I think the most essential thing creators can do right now to impact the future of our industry is to oppose age verification themselves and participate in educating their fan base on why they also need to oppose these bills. In the present moment, it really feels like adult performers don't understand the impact that this will have on them, their business, and their bottom lines. But this is the only way I could imagine being able to help. And so I'm doing my best to do my part."
To support this cause and take a stand for online privacy, visit Defend Online Privacy and take action against restrictive adult content legislation in their state.
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Watch the full video here.
