Laos
Asia
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for Laos. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
Laos has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in Laos. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/12/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
Police raid pornography shoot in Vientiane: Authorities arrested individuals for sexual misconduct and publishing pornography, demonstrating enforcement of existing laws.
- Banned
Ministry of Public Security set up online surveillance taskforce: A special taskforce was established to surveil, trace, and respond to 'illegal online media' and 'fake news'.
- Banned
MICT ordered provinces to record and enforce social media registration: The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism ordered provincial departments to keep records of official social media channels and supervise registration, citing 'false information' during COVID-19.
- Banned
Minister of Information reiterated social media registration requirement: A notice asking individuals, legal entities, state, or private sector publishing information via social media to register or face punishment.
- Banned
Directive issued requesting social media news outlets to register: A directive from the Ministry requesting administrators of news outlets on social media platforms to register their accounts.
- Banned
Decision on penalties in Cyber Crime (No. 3624/MPT) issued: Issued by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications under the Law on Prevention and Combating of Cyber Crime.
- Banned
Penal Code No. 26/NA enacted: Includes provisions for various criminal offenses, including dissemination of pornographic objects.
- Banned
Law on Electronic Data Protection No. 25/NA enacted: Established a legal framework to safeguard personal data, primarily electronic data.
- Banned
Law on Prevention and Combating Cyber Crime (Law no 61/NA) enacted: Established a legal framework to prevent, investigate, and penalize cyber-related offenses, including the distribution of pornographic material.
- Banned
Internet law (likely Decree 327/PM) signed: Law containing numerous contradictory provisions undermining free speech, requiring website administrators to check content and banning anonymous social media accounts.
- Banned
Decree No. 327 on Internet Management took effect: Banned pornography, 'inappropriate photos', and content contradicting Lao traditions/culture from online publication. Also required real-name registration for social media.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 15 sources
lawgratis.commedia-laws-at-laos
en.wikipedia.orgPornography_in_Asia
globalchildexploitationpolicy.orglaos
en.wikipedia.orgFreedom_of_the_press_in_Laos
thediplomat.comlaos-internet-law-undermines-free-speech
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
Related Countries
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Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.