Pornhub faces growing safety and accessibility concerns in 2024. Therefore, you’re probably wondering if it's still safe to use and how to access it amidst increasing bans.
This guide tackles these questions head-on. We'll delve into the potential risks and explore methods for secure access. Stay informed and make responsible choices in 2024 and beyond.
Is Pornhub safe?
Despite its popularity, Pornhub, like any other platform, isn't without risks. You should be mindful of potential dangers before accessing any adult content.
1. Malware and viruses
Pornhub, like most websites specializing in adults, relies extensively on third-party ads and embedded links. These are usually breeding places for malware and viruses.
While Pornhub itself is legitimate, hackers take advantage of these vulnerabilities by tricking you into downloading infected files or shady sites. These can unleash malware or ransomware, potentially stealing your data or holding your device hostage.
This is a hidden danger in the pursuit of pleasure – a stark reminder to take online safety seriously at all times.
2. Phishing scams
Pornhub, with its endless stream of ads and user-generated content, is a prime target for phishing scams.
These scams, disguised as harmless ads or pop-ups, trick you into revealing sensitive data. They might urge you to "update your password” or "confirm payment information", but they intend to steal your logins, passwords, and credit card details.
In the hands of scammers, this information can create much havoc in the forms of identity theft and financial fraud. This is a cat-and-mouse game with the cybercriminals. Your best defense is vigilance.
3. Privacy breaches and data leaks
Pornhub's past data breaches have exposed sensitive user information like email addresses, passwords, and browsing history. This leaves you vulnerable to identity theft, blackmail, and other forms of digital harassment.
While Pornhub claims to care about user privacy, no website is entirely immune to breaches, so be smart and use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and additional privacy tools like a VPN.
4. Unwanted exposure
Unwanted exposure to explicit content on Pornhub is yet another safety concern. Being exposed to such material can be distressing and harmful if you don't wish to see it or are not in a position to see it legally.
Pornhub’s content is also user-generated, so there is a risk of encountering non-consensual or inappropriate content, even with Pornub’s recent measure to tighten content verification and remove unverified videos.
5. Lawsuits on Pornhub
There have been numerous lawsuits against Pornhub for non-consensual content and child sexual abuse material. The lawsuits filed in court brought dramatic changes to the site, such as removing millions of videos of unverified accounts and enforcing more stringent rules for uploading explicit content.
While these measures intend to enhance safety, they indicate that using the site still carries risks, especially regarding privacy and security.
Although these risks are concerning, they don't mean you should completely avoid Pornhub.
Tips to stay safe on Pornhub
Safety in the online space, especially when accessing adult content websites like Pornhub, calls for a proactive approach. Here are some helpful tips that can keep you safe on Pornhub.
1. Use antivirus and anti-malware software
Strong antivirus and anti-malware software are your first defense against malicious threats. They help to detect and block malware, viruses, and ransomware that might infiltrate your system through Pornhub or its displayed ads.
We recommend you invest in reliable antivirus like Norton 360, VIPRE Antivirus, or Intego. These are our best three because they offer real-time protection, regular scans, and comprehensive security features to safeguard your device from threats lurking on Pornhub or any other website.
For a detailed comparison and recommendations, refer to our guide on the best antivirus software.
2. Practice caution with links and downloads
Be cautious about the links and files you interact with on Pornhub. Do not click on suspicious ads or links or download files, especially from unverified sources.
Always double-check URLs and be mindful of pop-ups or alerts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Parental controls and content filters
You can use parental controls or content filters if you share your device with others, sometimes minors, or if you simply want to restrict yourself from accidentally getting exposed to explicit content. These help block or limit access to certain websites or categories of content that one wouldn't want to be exposed to.
Parental controls are incorporated into many devices and ISPs, and third-party applications can be used for advanced filtering. These measures help you rest assured that your browsing habits do not inadvertently expose minors to inappropriate or adult content, creating a safer online environment for everyone.
4. Use ad blockers
Ads on adult websites can sometimes be a source of malware or intrusive pop-ups. Ad blockers like TotalAdblock, CleanWeb, and AdLock can help prevent unwanted ads and protect your device from potentially harmful content.
Adblockers also improve browsing by removing intrusive ads and reducing page load time, among other things. For a better understanding of ad blockers, check out our best ad blocker software guide.
How to access Pornhub in 2024
It does not seem as easy to get onto Pornhub in 2024 as it once was.
Although popular in major parts of the world, it remains shut in a few regions for various reasons. Here are some of them:
- Government censorship and state bans: Many countries ban Pornhub along with other adult content websites. Some states in the United States have also joined the website ban due to various concerns relating to explicit content and its effects on society or not adhering to their policy on age verification for users.
- ISP restrictions: ISPs may block access to Pornhub due to their commitment to complying with the law in their jurisdiction or simply because it is their filtering policy.
- Age verification requirements: Some regions recently imposed age verification requirements on sites with at least 33% adult content to bar minors from accessing explicit content. If Pornhub hasn’t complied with these regulations, it might be banned in those regions.
Use a VPN to access Pornhub
VPNs are like secret tunnels for your internet activity. They scramble your data and bounce it through their servers, making it impossible for anyone, even your internet provider, to see what you're doing online. They also mask your location, making it look like you're browsing from somewhere else entirely.
So, you could be in Texas, but your internet traffic is coming from London or New York. This helps you bypass any local restrictions or censorship.
If you're interested in more technical details, you can find more information on how VPNs work. But if you need a VPN immediately, here are our top three VPNs for this year:
- ExpressVPN - Our #1 VPN. A global server network, lightning-fast connections, and industry-best tech keep your internet history private from anywhere in the world.
- Surfshark - A budget-friendly VPN packed with privacy features. Block ads and trackers, hide your VPN from detection, and access the open internet while staying hidden.
- NordVPN - Boasts a vast server network, strong privacy protections, and advanced security. It allows users to stay hidden, bypass censorship, and enjoy faster internet.
For a deep dive into their performance, don't miss our comprehensive best VPNs for Pornhub guide.
Pornhub safety FAQs
Conclusion
Pornhub's popularity is undeniable, but so are its risks: malware, scams, privacy breaches, and legal concerns.
Don't be a victim. Safeguard yourself with solid security practices, such as antiviruses and adblockers, and stay informed about relevant laws.
If you're looking to bypass restrictions and protect your privacy while accessing Pornhub, subscribe to a reliable VPN – we recommend ExpressVPN. It's a small investment for a safer and more secure online experience.