What do porn sites reveal about European societies?
A new analysis shows how widespread porn consumption is in different countries – and what exciting conclusions this allows about social norms and digital responsibility. Spain, in particular, surprises with an extremely high usage rate. Thanks to the Digital Services Act (DSA), more is now becoming visible that had long remained hidden.
How much porn does Europe watch? New figures offer surprising insights
Who in Europe watches the most porn? A new analysis provides fascinating – and at times quite unexpected – answers. While around 16 percent of the population in Germany regularly visit sites like PornHub, XVideos or Stripchat, the Netherlands sees nearly double that: a full 30 percent. But the real surprise comes from Southern Europe: Spain leads the ranking by far – with nearly 60 percent of people visiting a porn site every month.
These figures come from a new evaluation by data rights expert Mathias Vermeulen from the agency AWO. He analyzed publicly available data from three of the largest adult content platforms. The twist: these providers are required to disclose their user numbers – thanks to the Digital Services Act (DSA), a new EU law aimed at increasing transparency on major online platforms.
What do the numbers really say?
These numbers not only reveal the scale of usage – they also reflect something about our societies. Interestingly, countries with rather conservative social climates often show surprisingly high usage.
British researcher Carolina Are from Northumbria University explains: In many cultures, sexuality remains a taboo – but that doesn’t mean people consume less. On the contrary: high usage simply happens more discreetly.
DSA: What does the new law actually do?
The Digital Services Act wasn’t originally created with porn sites in mind, but it’s now playing an important role in making these platforms more transparent and responsible. The DSA requires all very large online platforms to regularly publish reports – including on active user numbers, the nature of site content, and measures taken against harmful behavior.
This isn’t just interesting for statisticians – it’s a powerful tool for protecting people who have become victims of image-based sexual abuse. This includes sharing intimate images without consent, spreading deepfakes, or blackmailing individuals with nude photos.
Until now, many victims had very limited options to have such content removed – but now they can rely on a legal framework that compels platforms to take action.
Porn platforms stepping out of the grey zone
Another positive effect of the DSA: it shines a light on an industry often relegated to the fringes of public attention. If porn platforms are required to disclose how they operate and how many users they reach, it helps reduce stigma – both toward users and people working in the industry.
“If we want these sites to be recognized as legitimate businesses, then we also need a degree of transparency,” says Carolina Are. Only in this way can we expose issues, improve protection – and ultimately create better working conditions for everyone involved.
Conclusion: Between taboo and reality
The new numbers make it clear: porn consumption is no longer a fringe phenomenon in Europe – but the societal image of it often lags behind. The Digital Services Act is now helping us understand just how large this phenomenon really is. And it could help bring the often-tabooed adult industry gradually into the public eye – with more accountability, more protection, and greater openness.
