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Google can potentially penalize adult/porn websites that don't implement proper Age Verification Systems (AVS), though the enforcement varies by jurisdiction and Google's evolving policies
Current Google Stance:
Search Rankings Impact:
Google may lower search rankings for adult sites without proper age verification
Sites could be excluded from search results in certain regions
SafeSearch filters will be more aggressive against unverified adult content
Google Ads Policy:
Adult content is prohibited in Google Ads regardless of AVS
This won't change with age verification implementation
Legal Requirements Driving This:
Jurisdictions Requiring AVS:
UK: Online Safety Act requires robust age verification
EU: Digital Services Act has age verification requirements
Several US states: Louisiana, Utah, Texas, and others have passed laws
Canada: Considering similar legislation
SEO/Business Risks Without AVS:
1. Search Visibility
Reduced organic traffic from Google
Potential complete de-indexing in regulated markets
Lower rankings even in permissive jurisdictions
2. Legal Compliance
Fines and penalties in jurisdictions with AVS laws
Potential site blocking by ISPs in regulated areas
Payment processor issues - many require AVS compliance
3. User Trust
Industry moving toward AVS as standard practice
Users increasingly expect age verification on adult sites
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