Online pornography is causing a public health crisis. Recent studies show that kids exposed to pornography grow up with distorted views of sexuality, increased risk of addiction, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life. Health care providers report striking increases in sexual abuse among teens, including choking and other physical abuse normalized by online pornography. Studies show that the average age when American kids are first exposed to online pornography is 11 years old, and 70% of kids between 7 and 18 have encountered it accidentally, often while doing homework.

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It is the law in every state (and common sense) that displaying a sexual act to a minor is a crime. Yet, companies that profit from online pornography do almost nothing to verify the age of their platforms' users. The tools for online age verification have been around for years. You can't rent a car, have beer delivered to your house, or place a bet online without verifying your age. But a 10 year old can watch a video depicting bondage, bestiality, and rape.

More troubling still, evidence suggests major online pornography platforms affirmatively target minors, using tags and categorization tools that feature popular comic book and cartoon characters. 

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Why? Because online pornography platforms generate hundreds of millions of dollars a year in ad revenue from engagement with their websites. An audience--even if that audience is children--means money.

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EKO is taking action. We are investigating cases against the companies that produce, publish, and give children access to online pornography. If you are willing to share the ways online pornography harms minors, or if you have information about the online pornography industry's age verification practices, give us a call.