Adult film site Pornhub blocked user access on Jan. 1, prompting a 1,150% increase in VPN usage across the state, according to vpnMentor.

Pornhub pulled out from Florida due to a new law that took effect on Jan. 1, namely HB3. The law, dubbed Online Protections for Minors, requires websites not suitable for minors to implement an age-verification system. For porn sites, this means no one under 18 can access them. Rather than complying with the law, Pornhub decided to block access altogether.

Age-verification laws, which have been implemented in 18 other states, have faced scrutiny from porn companies and users alike. Users claim it infringes on their First Amendment rights, while companies say the law’s requirement of protecting personal identifying information isn’t possible.

Both of these concerns have resulted in a Texas lawsuit filed by the Free Speech Coalition.

"As recent high-profile data leaks have revealed, no web users are safe, and hackers are often able to exploit the slightest cracks in a website’s security,” the lawsuit reads.

Porn site Gay Male Tube joined Pornhub in completely blocking user access in Florida.

For now, users are turning to VPNs to access their adult film needs. Using a VPN hides your IP address and personal data, making it possible to visit porn sites without being blocked or asked to verify your age.

But not everyone has to resort to using a VPN. Some websites, like XVideos, are still allowing access to videos. Sites can be fined up to $50,000 per violation if they don’t comply with the law.

Florida Attorney Ashley Moody said her office received three complaints about websites not complying with the law, and they are all under review, The Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Websites that are complying, like xHamster, give users three options to verify their age: doing a face scan so AI can determine their age, using a third-party app, or providing documentation.

No websites have faced financial penalties at the time of publication.