What if porn wasn’t just arousing — but also honest, inclusive, and respectful? In this blog, we explore the world of ethical porn — adult content that prioritizes consent, diversity, and real connection. We spoke to Cheex, the platform redefining porn, about why ethics matter in erotica — and what that means for your pleasure.
Why was CHEEX founded?
“Okay but... do you actually watch porn?” That was a common question in conversations with my friends about sex. Especially my female friends shared concerns about mainstream porn. They felt most of what’s out there is off-putting and that there’s a lack of safe spaces for erotic inspiration.
Those conversations stuck with me. Together with my co-founder Max, I envisioned creating something big: a digital safe space where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can find porn in an inspiring and aesthetic setting. Plus, we wanted to offer educational and empowering content to support people on their journey toward sexual liberation. That’s how CHEEX was born. We launched our Berlin-based company in early 2020, with the platform going live in June that year under the slogan “Pleasure for Everyone.”
How would you define ethical porn?
Ethical porn in three words? Honest, safe, and inclusive. That means it’s produced under fair and respectful conditions, in compliance with CHEEX production standards and all legal regulations. We only work with performers of legal age, who are paid fairly, and all acts are consensual.
True to our motto “Pleasure for Everyone,” it’s essential for us that diverse consumers feel seen. We aim for inclusive, diverse, and non-discriminatory representation of sexuality: different bodies, desires, and sexual identities — without reproducing stereotypes or clichés.
How do you ensure performers are treated respectfully and work in a safe environment?
This is one of our top priorities. In addition to carefully selecting our crews and performers, we always involve intimacy coordinators — often with performance experience themselves. They make sure all agreed boundaries are respected and that performers feel safe and supported on set.
When licensing content, we only work with production companies that share our high safety and ethics standards. Personal contact with performers is key for us — to ensure the productions align with our criteria or to license directly from them. CHEEX has developed a criteria catalog, shared and discussed with performers in advance, and contractually confirmed. Unlike other platforms that allow user uploads, every video on CHEEX is carefully reviewed by our team to prevent any exploitative content.
What comes to mind when you think of porn today?
We need a fresh take on porn. Today, it’s often all treated the same — as if porn equals bad. That’s reflected in the rise of porn bans and restrictive legislation. But porn can do a lot of good. On CHEEX, we also offer educational content showing how certain practices can be explored safely and consciously. I’d love to see society open up this dialogue. Porn should be seen as an opportunity to explore desire and free ourselves from shame and taboo.
How do you come up with new film concepts?
Can viewers send in ideas to CHEEX? Most of our concepts come from our directors — inspired by their personal fantasies or conversations with friends. We want to show people and stories that are missing from the mainstream. For example, we recently collaborated with wellness brand nevernot to break the taboo around period sex and produced the first erotic film with a soft tampon. So yes — dear CHEEX users — we always welcome your feedback and ideas for future films!
Do you consider platforms like OnlyFans ethical?
Yes — in the sense that they offer a direct income stream for many performers and sex workers. Platforms like OnlyFans have strict age verification processes. Providing safer, more diverse platforms for sex work is ethical, regardless of the specific content being shared.
What are your future goals — for CHEEX and for the adult industry as a whole?
At CHEEX, we’ll always work toward our mission: sexual liberation for all! That means our product will evolve with the world. If the world needs something new for sexual freedom — maybe even beyond porn — we’ll adapt and provide that.
My hope for the adult industry: that safety, diversity, and sustainability become top priorities. I want consumers to approach porn more consciously and responsibly. Inclusive sex education should play a bigger role. Diverse representation of sex and sexuality must be guaranteed and taught well. I believe this could break the stigma and ensure sex workers are respected — not shamed.
What’s your favorite CHEEX film — and why?
“Muse,” our first CHEEX original, directed by Sylvia Borges in collaboration with Charlotte Kuhrt. The film flips the traditional, often misogynistic idea of a muse into a symbol of female power. It portrays empowered feminine desire, where the naked body is celebrated as art and self-expression. You see all three actresses expressing their fantasies in a beautifully aesthetic setting — which is a huge bonus for me.
Want to try CHEEX for yourself?
We invite you to explore — without shame or taboo.
Enjoy a free 7-day trial with code AIA7.
