How to Bypass the Porn Ban in Texas Using a VPN
- Posted on March 18, 2024
Many people in Texas were taken aback last week by the news that they would no longer be able to access adult websites. Nonetheless, savvy internet users have discovered a workaround to bypass the porn ban in Texas using a VPN.
Last week, Pornhub, Redtube, and several other major pornographic websites suspended their services in Texas. This move was in response to a bill aimed at preventing minors from accessing adult content, sparking a nationwide debate on privacy and access to online content, and the so-called Pornhub ban.
How to Bypass Porn Ban in the USA with a VPN?
Since these laws restricting adult content are checked by a user IP address, naturally a VPN is the easiest, and most secure solution, internauts report. VPN can help you hide your true IP address, and provides you a wide range of servers and countries to choose from. Not only does a VPN allow users to appear as if they are connecting from a different state, but it also encrypts all internet traffic, enhancing privacy and security online.
You can learn more about VPN in our article What’s a VPN and Why Would Anyone Need it? Everything You Need to Know and More.
Our Top VPN Recommendation
NordVPN comes highly recommended for its reliability, strict no-logs policy, and strong encryption standards. Based outside the 5/9/14 eyes alliance countries’ jurisdiction, NordVPN offers over 6000+ servers in more than 100+ countries to choose from. Its features include Kill Switch which it turns off your internet connection if you have connection problems preventing an IP leak. Also, its users have an automatic protection on unsecured networks, an ad-blocker, browser extensions and many other features. All this makes NordVPN an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users to help bypass the Pornhub ban in Texas.
To get started using a VPN, you simply can follow the steps below before accessing your chosen adult site:
- Choose a VPN provider
- Download and install the VPN app on your streaming devices
- Sign in to the app
- Connect to a server located outside the restricted states
- Access your preferred adult websites without needing to verify your age with a government ID
Explaining Texas’s New Age Verification Law
In June, the Texas Governor signed H.B. 1181, a bipartisan bill requiring companies that offer ‘sexual material harmful to minors’ to verify that their users are at least 18 years old. This new law mandates age verification through government-issued ID or a third-party system that utilizes public and private data, such as employment, education, or mortgage information. This requirement has raised privacy concerns and discussions among Texans, with many expressing disapproval.
Texas is not the first state in the US to enact such a bill. Virginia, Louisiana, and Utah have all implemented laws prohibiting minors from accessing adult content, with expectations that more states will follow.
Why Pornhub Is No Longer Available in Texas?
Pornhub’s response to the obligation to verify its users’ age was to disable access to the website in Texas entirely. This scenario is not unique to Texas. It seems the adult content company chooses the same path everywhere where it is faced with an obligation to check whether their users are at least 18 years old. Similar restrictions already exist in North Carolina, Montana, Arkansas, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Utah.
Yet another state facing the same scenario to be repeated is Indiana. A bill that would allow an age verification mandate and would open the possibility for parents to sue porn sites if their children get past age verification barriers is on its way to the Governor. It might come into effect on July 1st.
Opinions on the Porn Ban Are Divided
Visitors with Texas IP addresses who visit Pornhub’s website now see the following message: “Until the real solution is offered, we have made the difficult decision to completely disable access to our website in Texas.”
While some people feel this law helps to keep their children more secure, many people disapprove of the law and its consequences. Many took it to the internet to express their disapproval and concerns.
CNN reports a spike in searches for (virtual private networks) VPNs in Texas after Pornhub pulls out of the state showing that many people looking for a workaround.
Is VPN Legal in the USA?
VPNs are legal in the USA, as well as in Canada, most of Europe, and many other countries around the world. This ensures that users can protect their privacy and access restricted content without breaking any laws.
Not sure which VPN to choose? Here’s our top 3 recommended VPNs:
NordVPN ($3.09/month) – leading VPN service with thousands of servers, blazing speeds and military-grade encryption.
Surfshark ($2.19/month) – a fast VPN service that gives so much for very little: strong encryption, unlimited devices, etc.
Perfect Privacy ($8.95/month) – great Swiss VPN provider for your privacy, though comes with Swiss price tag.
Savvy internet users have discovered a workaround to bypass the porn ban in Texas using a VPN. Easy and cheap method for beginners.