Google Offers Warning Page Advice

LOS ANGELES — Responsible purveyors of age-restricted materials have been given some new advice by Google that should help in their battle for online market share.

Recently, a Google Webmaster Help user asked the search giant about the Googlebot's ability to "see" past a website's age verification or "warning" page in order to be able to index the website; which in this case involves the marketing of alcohol-based products.

"As the site legally requires users to be over the legal drinking age to use the site," the webmaster said, "the first page of the client's website is a gateway page asking the user to confirm their country of residence and date of birth."

One example of online age-verification on an alcoholic beverage site can be found at the Absolut Vodka website.

One major concern among many adult webmasters offering age-restricted materials is that Googlebot and other search engine spiders may not be able to navigate beyond this gateway page; hampering organic search marketing efforts and overall profitability — a situation which is especially troublesome for users of robust age verification systems; such as the BirthDate Verifier developed by adult entertainment industry attorney Larry Walters — which can redirect visitors landing on deep-linked web pages to the site's home page for age verification.

According to Google Webmaster Trends Analyst Susan Moskwa, the topic comes up periodically for alcohol, adult entertainment and other sites that need to serve an age verification notice on every page.

"What we recommend in this case is to serve it via JavaScript," Moskwa revealed. "That way users can see the age verification any time they try to access your content, but search engines that don't run JavaScript won't see the warning and will instead be able to see your content."

The advice provides adult webmasters with practical insight as to how age-verification and organic search engine marketing can easily co-exist.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More