EU Court Rules France Can Enforce Age Verification on Pornographic Sites
EU Court Decision and Implications for Age Verification
Background of the Ruling
PARIS, June 16 (Reuters) - The EU's top court ruled on Tuesday that France can require pornographic websites based elsewhere in the bloc to verify users' ages, backing national efforts to shield minors from online adult content.
Broader Context of Age Verification Initiatives
The European Union is itself preparing a voluntary age-verification app and countries worldwide are pursuing Australian-style curbs on teenagers' online access. Britain on Monday announced plans to ban under-16s from major social media platforms from next year.
Key Points from the Court of Justice
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Restriction of Free Movement vs. Protection of Minors
The Court of Justice said France's age-check rules restrict free movement of online services but may be justified on public policy grounds, including the protection of minors.
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Liability of Website Operators
It said operators of pornographic websites cannot claim a hosting liability exemption for user content they store or rebroadcast if they control that content.
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Application to Providers in Other EU States
It said such measures can apply to providers established in other EU states if France first asks their home country to act and notifies both that country and the European Commission, except in urgent cases.
Legal Challenge and Country of Origin Principle
Czech firms WebGroup Czech Republic and NKL Associates had challenged French rules requiring publishers of pornographic websites to prevent minors accessing their sites.
The court said the EU's "country of origin" principle still applies, meaning online services are generally regulated by the member state where they are established.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Hugo Lhomedet; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
