PARIS
The European Union’s highest court ruled that France can legally force adult websites to verify users’ ages. This major decision allows French authorities to block foreign porn platforms that fail to protect minors from explicit content. Czech adult companies had challenged the rules, arguing they disrupted the free movement of online services across Europe. However, judges declared that child safety overrides general trade principles. The ruling permits restrictions on foreign websites, provided France first requests their home countries to take action. This decision marks a significant victory for global efforts targeting stricter online restrictions for children.