Searches for VPN Soar in Utah Amidst PornHub Blockage

PornHub, perhaps the internet's largest porn site, has blocked Utahns from accessing content in response to the state's requirement that they verify user's identity. The requirement is the strictest in the nation, in line with our findings that Utah is among the most culturally conservative states. In response to the company's move, Utahns are apparently looking to circumvent the "boobie blockade" using VPNs - or Virtual Private Networks. These services can be used to fool public networks into thinking users are accessing content from somewhere else — for example somewhere where their adult videos of choice are still available. According to search data acquired from Google Trends, Utah's search interest in VPNs has exploded since the site was blocked.

A Map of Utah's VPNÂ Search Interest Over Time

A simple heat map showing search volume for VPNs after the blockage is telling.

In March, before the blockage, the map told an entirely different story.

A statement from PornHub, which is shared below, explains the company's position.

PornHub's Statement Explaining its Decision to Block Utah