MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Starting September 1, 2025,Alabama will implement a 10% tax on online pornography, making it one of the few states in the U.S. to impose such a levy on adult digital content.
The legislation, officially titled the “Protection of Minors from Unfiltered Devices and Online Pornography Act,” The law targets subscriptions and purchases made on adult websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms that provide explicit content.
What the Law Covers
The new tax applies to online sales or streaming of adult content, including:
Monthly and yearly subscriptions (e.g., OnlyFans, Pornhub Premium)
Pay-per-view adult videos
Digital downloads or rentals of explicit materials
The 10% tax will be added to the price of eligible transactions for Alabama residents. The responsibility to collect and remit the tax falls on the platforms and payment processors, not the individual creators or performers.
Supporters of the bill say it’s a step toward protecting minors from accessing explicit content, while critics argue it sets a concerning precedent for policing digital privacy and adult freedoms.
Mixed Reactions
Civil liberties advocates, digital rights groups, and adult industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the vague definitions and potential overreach of the law. Some worry it could lead to:
Content censorship
Discrimination against adult workers
Technical complications for platforms processing taxes across multiple states
The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) issued a statement calling the tax “a dangerous step toward content-based taxation” and warned of its potential chilling effect on adult content creators and platforms.
How Creators and Platforms Are Preparing
Online adult platforms are now adjusting their systems to comply with Alabama’s new tax law. Some are issuing regional pricing notices, while others may choose to restrict access in Alabama altogether to avoid legal complications.
Adult content creators are advised to:
Check with their platforms about how the tax is being handled
Review their earnings statements starting in September for any deductions
Stay informed on potential legal changes in their state or business mode
- Sources:
Associated Press
