A landmark class action lawsuit against MindGeek, the parent company behind popular adult platforms like Pornhub, RedTube, and YouPorn, has reached a critical point with the filing of the official class notice and the launch of a new claims website, VictimImageLawsuit.com. This case, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, aims to address allegations of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being hosted, monetized, and distributed on the company’s websites.
The class action lawsuit seeks justice for individuals who were victims of exploitation while under the age of 18, with specific focus on their rights and the platform’s alleged failure to take action against CSAM. Individuals who appeared in video or photo content while underage, from February 2011 onward, are encouraged to review their rights in the class action.
Filed in 2021, the lawsuit claims that MindGeek knowingly benefited from the distribution of CSAM across its vast network of websites. The plaintiffs argue that MindGeek violated federal laws, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), which criminalizes the receipt and distribution of child pornography.
The case has gained significant attention for its potential to set a precedent in holding powerful online companies accountable for harmful content shared on their platforms. In her statement, Kim Adams, a lead attorney from Levin Papantonio, said, “This lawsuit is not just about seeking justice for victims. It’s about triggering systemic change in how platforms like MindGeek manage content and hold themselves accountable.”
The class action has been certified to include anyone who appeared in a video or image on MindGeek’s platforms while under the age of 18, between February 12, 2011, and the present. Platforms named in the lawsuit include:
- Pornhub, Pornhub Premium
- Redtube, Redtube Premium
- YouPorn, YouPorn Premium
- Tube8
- Xtube
- Mofosex
- Spankwire
- ExtremeTube
- Keezmovies, Thumbzilla
These sites are accused of creating a business model that enabled the rampant distribution of CSAM without adequate safeguards.
Affected individuals have until December 6, 2024, to make a decision about their participation. Potential class members can either:
Do Nothing and Stay in the Class: By staying in the class, individuals can benefit from any potential settlement or trial outcome, but they waive their right to file an individual lawsuit against MindGeek.
Opt-Out: Those who opt out retain the right to file their own claims but forfeit any benefits from the class action lawsuit.
Full details on how to proceed, as well as eligibility requirements, are available on the newly launched VictimImageLawsuit. website.
The MindGeek Claims Administrator has set up VictimImageLawsuit.com as a central hub for information. This website provides affected individuals with the following resources:
- A detailed eligibility check for the class.
- A comprehensive list of websites involved in the lawsuit.
- Instructions on how to either join the class action or opt out.
- A robust FAQ section addressing common concerns about the lawsuit, timeline, and potential outcomes.
- Additionally, individuals can reach the claims administrator directly via a toll-free hotline or email.
This case represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against online exploitation. The plaintiffs hope that the lawsuit will not only secure justice for victims but also drive broader industry reforms. Critics of adult content platforms have long highlighted the inadequacy of content moderation and the ease with which illegal material can be uploaded. The case calls for stronger protections for individuals, especially minors, on these platforms.
“The issues at stake are profound,” said Kim Adams, attorney at Levin Papantonio. “This lawsuit is about more than just financial compensation—it’s about exposing a broken system and creating the conditions for real reform.”
Potential class members are urged to visit VictimImageLawsuit.com to learn more about their options, deadlines, and the lawsuit’s progress. Whether individuals choose to join the class or pursue independent claims, the case is an important step in holding powerful corporations accountable for systemic exploitation.
As the lawsuit proceeds, its impact will likely reverberate across the adult content industry, potentially leading to stronger safeguards and accountability measures for all platforms involved in hosting user-generated content.
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