Canada Seeks Legal Action Against Pornhub Operator for Consent Violations
Privacy Commissioner Pushes for Compliance with Canadian Laws
Privacy Commissioner Seeks Court Order
Canada’s privacy watchdog is pursuing legal action to compel Aylo Holdings, the operator of Pornhub.com and other adult entertainment websites, to ensure it obtains consent from individuals featured in the content.
- Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne made this announcement on Monday.
- This move follows his earlier concerns regarding the company’s handling of privacy laws.
Previous Concerns with Aylo Holdings
This marks the second time in 2024 that Dufresne has raised alarm about Aylo Holdings.
- In February 2024, he pointed out that the company violated privacy laws by allowing intimate content to be shared without the knowledge or consent of the individuals involved.
- The Privacy Commissioner has called for a Federal Court order to force Aylo into compliance with Canadian privacy regulations.
Company Disagrees with the Allegations
Aylo Holdings responded to the Privacy Commissioner’s statements by strongly disagreeing with the allegations.
- Alex Kekesi, the company’s vice president for brand and community, stated that Aylo does not believe it violated any laws.
- He emphasized that Aylo has been in ongoing discussions with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) to reach a compliance agreement.
Investigations Prompted by Privacy Violations
The probe into Aylo Holdings was initiated after a woman discovered her ex-boyfriend had uploaded private, intimate material to Aylo’s websites without her consent.
- The complaint dates back to 2015, but Aylo maintains that it has since taken measures to prevent such violations.
Aylo’s Safeguards to Combat Harmful Content
In response to concerns, Aylo has introduced several measures aimed at preventing illegal content from being shared on its platforms.
- These steps include mandatory uploader verification and proof of consent for all participants involved in the content.
- Aylo has also banned downloads of content and expanded its moderation team to improve content oversight.
- According to Alex Kekesi, these measures are significant steps forward in tackling harmful and illegal material on the platform.