If you search the Internet for free pornographic content, you will find it on the supposedly legal website YouPorn.
YouPorn: Then the pornographic content is legal
YouPorn is one of the most well-known platforms for streaming pornographic content. Millions of users around the world visit this site daily or at least very regularly. This is not illegal for adults.
- Basically, in many countries like Germany, it is legal for adults to consume pornographic content. However, there are clear legal regulations that restrict access to and distribution of pornography, especially when it comes to protecting minors and preventing illegal content.
- In Germany, the Youth Protection Act (JuSchG) regulates access to porn. According to this, pornographic media may not be distributed to minors. Platforms such as YouPorn must ensure that people under eighteen do not have access to this content.
- In practice, this is usually done via age verification systems. However, in many cases it is controversial whether these protective measures are sufficiently implemented or whether they are even sufficient in their current form.
YouPorn: Legal grey areas and illegal activities
While the consumption of legal adult pornographic content is allowed, the situation becomes more complex when it comes to uploading and distributing this content.
- In many cases, the content on platforms like YouPorn is uploaded by users themselves. There is a risk that protected content has been published without the consent of the authors. If you upload copyrighted content without permission, it is illegal and punishable.
- The consumption of this copyrighted content – if it has been uploaded legally – is generally also legal for adults, but the reproduction and distribution of the material among friends and acquaintances is not.
- There are also strict legal requirements as to what is considered illegal pornography. In particular, depictions of child abuse or violent pornography are prohibited in Germany and are subject to criminal prosecution. Platforms such as YouPorn are obliged to remove such content immediately and prevent it from being uploaded.
- It will be difficult for users themselves to always identify which content may have been uploaded illegally. However, responsibility for the content cannot be shifted solely to the provider and thus the platform: If you discover clearly illegal material, for example depictions of child abuse, it is your moral duty to report it.
Tips for YouPorn users
As a user, you are on the safe side as long as you adhere to the legal requirements and rules of the platform.
- This means: Pay attention to the age limit in order to use YouPorn legally and do not upload copyrighted content without the permission of all parties involved.
- Consider whether you really want to create a user account for YouPorn or whether you would rather surf more anonymously.
- But don't forget that as a user of the site you are revealing a lot about yourself either way. Many pornographic websites use cookies to analyze user behavior and display personalized advertising. Although this is regulated under the GDPR, users should always be cautious. Find out how the website handles your data and use tools to protect your privacy as best as possible.
- Additionally, you can protect your identity by using a VPN connection. However, this does not necessarily protect you from law enforcement agencies.