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Dear Readers,
When people ask why the Free Speech Coalition opposes age verification, I let them know we’re not opposed to age verification, we’re opposed to bad laws. Then I usually point them to our policy paper that outlines how they violate the First Amendment, don’t stop young people using VPNs, and expose users to massive privacy risks.
We got an object lesson in the potential privacy dangers last week when Oregon and Louisiana admitted that their state driver’s license databases were breached during a ransomware attack, exposing millions of their residents to identity theft.
I certainly had that breach in mind when we filed our challenge to Louisiana’s laws requiring sites to check users’ government ID or other age and identity verification information in order to access explicit content.
FSC is committed not only to fighting back against terrible laws, but working with policymakers to make good ones. If you have thoughts on what would work for you and your business, I want to hear from you!
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Alison Boden
Executive Director, Free Speech Coalition |
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Free Speech Coalition Sues Louisiana Over Age Verification Mandate
FSC has filed a lawsuit against Louisiana, contesting the state's unconstitutional age verification law. The law allows fines of up to $5,000 per day on adult content websites, violating the First Amendment. FSC has challenged a similar law in Utah. We argue that these laws enable state censorship and burden legal businesses. The lawsuit includes individuals and entities, represented by Jeffrey Sandman and D. Gill Sperlein. We emphasize the importance of a free internet and reject unreasonable restrictions. Read more on our blog. |
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We're here to keep you informed about the latest legislative developments affecting the adult industry! Here's what you need to know:
Age Verification:
- Texas Governor signed HB 1181, requiring sites to display false anti-porn propaganda, effective from September 1, 2023.
- Louisiana Governor signed HB 77, allowing the state's attorney general to enforce age verification mandate, effective from August 1, 2023.
- Visit our AVS Mandate Effective Dates page for specific implementation dates of age verification bills.
Louisiana Updates:
- State senate approved resolution to establish a task force studying Louisiana's prostitution laws, chaired by a representative from Operation Restoration, a nonprofit advocating for incarcerated women's rights. The task force is to produce a written report by March 1, 2024.
- Louisiana's legislature passed SB 175, creating the crime of "unlawful deepfakes." It prohibits creating or possessing sexually explicit deepfakes without consent and involving minors. It's expected to take effect on August 1st.
Federal Legislation:
- The REPORT Act, aiming to enhance reporting of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. The proposal would increase fines for failing to report CSAM content to NCMEC's CyberTipline from $150,000 to a maximum of $1 million.
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Small Porn Producers Will Be Hurt Most By New Age Verification Laws
Recently enacted age verification laws will have a significant negative impact on small-scale porn producers. The laws, aimed at preventing minors from accessing adult content, require websites to implement stringent verification systems, posing a financial and logistical burden for smaller producers. These requirements favor large companies with greater resources, further consolidating the industry and potentially stifling creativity and diversity. This raises concerns about the unintended consequences of such legislation and advocates for alternative approaches that prioritize education and parental control tools. Read more on Reason. |
Groups File Free Speech Lawsuit Against Louisiana's Anti-Porn Law
Several groups including FSC have filed a lawsuit challenging Louisiana's anti-pornography law, citing concerns over its infringement on free speech rights. The law imposes fines on adult content websites and enables private lawsuits against them. The lawsuit argues that the law violates the First Amendment and imposes unconstitutional burdens on legal businesses. Read more on Gambit. |
Utah Wants Judge To Toss Challenge To It's Online Porn Age Verification Law
Utah has motioned to dismiss a legal challenge against its online porn age verification law. The law requires age verification for accessing adult content online. Utah argues that the law is essential for protecting minors and contends that the challengers lack standing to bring the lawsuit. Read more on KUER. |
Tan Lines Are Hot Again
The phenomenon of "tan line porn" in the adult entertainment industry is trending. As the sun makes its summer comeback, tan lines have become a symbol of freedom and seasonal delight. With distinct contrasts and visual allure, this niche genre has garnered a dedicated following on social media platforms and adult content websites, reflecting the current surge in interest. Read more on Vice. |
Title Reddit CEO Says Keeping Explicit Content On The Site Is A 'Constant Fight'
The CEO of Reddit, Steve Huffman, admits that managing explicit content on the platform remains a continuous challenge. Huffman acknowledges the delicate balance between allowing free expression and maintaining appropriate boundaries. He discusses the site's efforts to improve content moderation systems, including the use of machine learning and user reports, while recognizing that complete eradication of explicit material is an ongoing struggle. Read more on Vice. |
An Anti-Porn App Put Him In Jail And His Family Under Surveillance
Covenant Eyes, a software marketed as a tool to help individuals combat pornography addiction, has lost its certification due to privacy concerns. The software, which monitors users' online activities and sends reports to an accountability partner, faced criticism for its invasive nature and potential for abuse. The organization responsible for certifying the software revoked its endorsement after determining that Covenant Eyes failed to meet privacy standards. This development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between addressing addiction and maintaining privacy rights in the digital age. Read more on Wired. |
Pornhub Releases New Video Urging Action Against Anti-Porn Legislation
Pornhub has released a new video urging viewers to take action against anti-pornography legislation. The video seeks to raise awareness about the potential negative consequences of such laws on adult entertainment platforms and performers. It calls on viewers to contact their elected representatives and express their support for free expression and the importance of protecting the adult industry. Read more on XBIZ. |
Biggest Challenges:
”SpankChain recently lost SpankPay, our crypto payment processor that was built for the adult industry. Our vendor decided to terminate our several year long contract without cause, except that their new partner would not allow payments to be made to the adult entertainers. We had to close our product and revamp products in our pipeline (like SpankMatch.)”
Upcoming Exciting Ventures:
”SpankMatch is getting an overhaul now that SpankPay is gone. We are opening the product up to adult businesses (makeup artists, photographer, producers, etc) so that it can service the entire adult industry. We have also teamed up with the FSC to help end financial discrimination toward the adult industry.” |
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Meaningful experiences with FSC:
”Meeting with law makers in Washington was so powerful because it showed us that both sides of the political spectrum heard and related to the discrimination we are facing. To be taken seriously by the government as business people and entrepreneurs was very encouraging.” |
FSC PO Box 10480, Canoga Park, CA 91309 Unsubscribe - Unsubscribe Preferences |
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