One Woman’s War on P*rnhub | Laila Mickelwait | EP 503

Added: Dec 3, 2024

In this podcast episode, Jordan Peterson speaks with Laila Mickelwait, a passionate advocate against the exploitation and abuse perpetuated by the pornography industry, particularly focusing on Pornhub. Laila has dedicated her life to combating sex trafficking and the distribution of non-consensual sexual content online. The conversation delves into various critical subjects, shedding light on the dark realities of the porn industry and the societal implications of its unchecked proliferation.

The Alarming Reality of Online Pornography

Laila begins by highlighting a shocking study published in the British Journal of Criminology, which analyzed the homepage of Pornhub. The study revealed that approximately one in eight videos displayed sexual violence, including non-consensual acts. This alarming statistic underscores the pervasive nature of sexual violence in online pornography, raising concerns about the normalization of such content in society. Laila emphasizes that this is not merely a personal issue but a societal one, as the prevalence of violent and non-consensual material can desensitize viewers, particularly young audiences.

The implications of this desensitization are profound. As individuals, especially adolescents, are exposed to increasingly graphic content, their perceptions of healthy sexual relationships may become distorted. Laila argues that the accessibility of such material contributes to a culture that trivializes consent and promotes harmful behaviors. This reality necessitates urgent action to address the systemic issues within the pornography industry and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

Laila's Personal Journey

Laila shares her personal journey, which began 18 years ago when she first became aware of the injustices surrounding sex trafficking. Her father, a surgeon with a deep sense of compassion, influenced her understanding of human suffering and the importance of advocacy. After a tumultuous period in her early twenties, where she briefly pursued a career in the entertainment industry, Laila experienced a transformative moment that redirected her life’s purpose. This pivotal experience involved a documentary about child trafficking in Kolkata, India, which horrified her and ignited a passion for justice.

This awakening led Laila to investigate the intersection of the pornography industry and sex trafficking. She discovered that the same platforms that promote sexual content often facilitate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Laila's commitment to this cause has only intensified over the years, as she has witnessed the devastating impact of online pornography on victims and society at large.

The Role of MindGeek and Pornhub

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around MindGeek, the parent company of Pornhub, which Laila describes as a "virtual monopoly" on the global porn industry. MindGeek's business model, which prioritizes user-generated content, has created an environment where illegal and non-consensual material can thrive. Laila explains that the company has historically employed a minimal number of moderators to review content, resulting in a backlog of flagged videos and a lack of accountability for the material being uploaded.

Laila's investigation into MindGeek revealed that the company made intentional decisions to prioritize content quantity over quality, leading to the proliferation of illegal material. This negligence not only endangers victims but also perpetuates a culture of impunity within the industry. Laila argues that the executives at MindGeek must be held accountable for their role in facilitating the distribution of such content, as their actions have far-reaching consequences for society.

The Impact of User-Generated Content

The rise of user-generated content has transformed the pornography landscape, making it easier for individuals to upload and share explicit material. Laila explains that platforms like Pornhub have effectively democratized pornography, allowing anyone with a smartphone to become a content creator. While this may seem empowering, it has also led to a surge in non-consensual and exploitative material being shared online.

Laila emphasizes that the lack of oversight and regulation in user-generated content has created a breeding ground for abuse. Victims of sexual violence often find their trauma immortalized online, as videos of their assaults are uploaded and monetized without their consent. This reality highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and accountability measures within the pornography industry to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

The Psychological Effects of Pornography

The conversation also touches on the psychological effects of pornography on individuals and society. Laila and Jordan discuss how exposure to graphic sexual content can desensitize viewers, leading to distorted perceptions of intimacy and relationships. This desensitization can have particularly detrimental effects on young people, who may struggle to form healthy connections as they navigate their own sexual development.

Laila points out that the normalization of violent and degrading content can contribute to a culture that trivializes consent and promotes harmful behaviors. As individuals become increasingly desensitized to violence in pornography, they may be more likely to accept or engage in similar behaviors in their own lives. This cycle of desensitization underscores the need for comprehensive education on healthy relationships and consent, particularly for young audiences.

The Fight for Accountability

Laila's advocacy work has led to significant progress in holding Pornhub and MindGeek accountable for their actions. She discusses the petition she launched, which has garnered over 2.3 million signatures from individuals around the world demanding justice for victims of sexual exploitation. This grassroots movement has raised awareness about the issues within the pornography industry and has pressured financial institutions to sever ties with Pornhub.

The conversation highlights the importance of collective action in effecting change. Laila emphasizes that the fight against exploitation is not solely her responsibility; it requires the involvement of individuals, organizations, and policymakers to create a safer online environment. By raising awareness and advocating for accountability, Laila believes that society can begin to dismantle the systems that enable exploitation and abuse.

The Role of Financial Institutions

A significant aspect of Laila's advocacy involves engaging with financial institutions that have historically enabled the pornography industry. She explains that companies like Visa and MasterCard have played a crucial role in monetizing illegal content by processing payments for Pornhub. Laila's efforts to hold these companies accountable have resulted in significant changes, including the severing of ties between financial institutions and Pornhub.

Laila argues that financial institutions must implement stricter policies to prevent their services from being used to facilitate exploitation. By requiring age verification and consent for all content, these companies can help create a safer online environment. Laila believes that the financial sector has a responsibility to ensure that their services are not enabling criminal activity, and she calls for greater accountability in this regard.

The Importance of Legislation

Throughout the discussion, Laila emphasizes the need for stronger legislation to protect individuals from exploitation in the pornography industry. She argues that existing laws, such as the U.S. Code 2257, which mandates age verification for adult performers, should be enforced more rigorously. Laila believes that the lack of enforcement has allowed the pornography industry to operate with impunity, leading to widespread abuse and exploitation.

Laila also advocates for the implementation of new laws that address the unique challenges posed by user-generated content and the rise of AI-generated pornography. She argues that comprehensive legislation is essential to ensure that all individuals involved in the production and distribution of sexual content are protected and that their rights are upheld. By strengthening legal frameworks, Laila believes that society can take significant steps toward eradicating exploitation in the pornography industry.

The Personal Cost of Advocacy

Laila candidly shares the personal toll that her advocacy work has taken on her life. She discusses the challenges she has faced, including threats and harassment from those who oppose her efforts. Despite these difficulties, Laila remains committed to her mission, driven by the belief that her work is making a difference in the lives of victims.

The conversation highlights the resilience and determination required to confront powerful entities within the pornography industry. Laila's unwavering commitment to justice serves as an inspiration to others who may be hesitant to speak out against exploitation. She emphasizes that the fight for accountability is not easy, but it is essential for creating a safer and more just society.

The Path Forward

As the discussion draws to a close, Laila reflects on the path forward in the fight against exploitation in the pornography industry. She emphasizes the importance of continued advocacy, education, and awareness-raising efforts to combat the normalization of violence and exploitation. Laila believes that by working together, individuals and organizations can create meaningful change and hold those responsible for abuse accountable.

Laila encourages listeners to get involved in the movement against exploitation by signing petitions, sharing information, and supporting organizations that work to protect victims. She believes that collective action is essential for creating a safer online environment and dismantling the systems that enable exploitation. By standing together, Laila is hopeful that society can make significant strides toward justice and accountability in the pornography industry.

Videos

Full episode

Episode summary