PornHub’s Parent Company Admits Earning Profits From Sex Trafficking

Aylo, a company that operates various adult content platforms, including the well-known site Pornhub, has been involved in a serious legal issue. This matter revolves around their connection with explicit videos that were not consensual.

Aylo has acknowledged that they hosted videos on Pornhub which featured women who were forced into performing acts they didn't consent to. These videos were produced by a company that was later found to be involved in sex trafficking. 

Essentially, Aylo was accepting payments from this company to show these videos on their platform, despite knowing the problematic nature of the content.

The situation became more alarming when it was revealed that even after they received requests to remove these videos back in 2016. 

Despite being aware of a lawsuit against the production company in 2017, Aylo didn't take adequate steps to verify whether the women in the videos had consented. 

It wasn't until 2019 that they removed these videos from Pornhub. However, some of them were reposted by other users and continued to be available online.

As a result of these actions, Aylo, formerly known as MindGeek, faced legal charges. The U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn charged them with engaging in illegal financial transactions involving the proceeds of sex trafficking. 

However, Aylo didn't plead guilty to these charges. Instead, they've entered into what's called a "deferred prosecution agreement." This means they've agreed to pay a fine of USD 1.8 million and provide compensation to the victims. 

Additionally, they will be monitored for three years. If they comply with the terms of this agreement, the charges against them will eventually be dismissed.

This case has broader implications too. Pornhub, as a part of Aylo's operations, has been added to the European Union's list of firms under strict regulations. 

This is part of the Digital Services Act, which requires companies to manage risks carefully, undergo audits, and share data with authorities and researchers.

But the fact is that even the compensation of billions can’t heal the pain, respect, and grief of the victims of sex and human trafficking!