This week, a Michigan lawmaker introduced a bill to criminalize all distribution of adult content online. While the Michigan bill isn’t likely to move, it’s yet another sign that these censorship laws were always a means to an end. Supposedly “reasonable” guardrails, such as the 33.3% standard, have now been dropped altogether in states like Wyoming, South Dakota and Ohio. Florida is using its AV law to threaten billing providers, and the FTC announced it has concerns about quote unquote "consensual pornography.”

This is why we continue to push back, to build lasting coalitions and to work for common-sense solutions that protect our members. The opposition has been clear about the roadmap if we don’t. We didn’t ask for this fight, but we’re here to meet it. We thank you for your continued support. — Mike Stabile, Director of Public Policy.

Several state age-verification laws are scheduled to take effect in the coming months. Platforms and providers should be aware of the timelines and prepare accordingly.

FSC will continue to track enforcement, litigation, and industry impact as these dates approach. Visit our Action Center for more information.

Join us for an exclusive webinar with Zoë Ligon of Spectrum Boutique! We’ll dive into the challenges of promoting pleasure products on social media: shadowbanning, censorship, ever-changing algorithms, and how to rise above them. Zoë will answer your burning questions and share strategies for navigating the online landscape with confidence and creativity. 

FSC has released a comprehensive guide to help businesses navigate the rapidly changing patchwork of state age verification laws. With half of U.S. states now enacting mandates—each with different thresholds, methods, and penalties—the 185-page toolkit provides plain-language explanations, state-by-state summaries, and practical compliance considerations. It will be updated regularly as new laws emerge and court challenges proceed. The full toolkit is available to FSC members, with an abridged version offered to non-members. 

“'The bill would completely erase trans people online, equating them with porn,’ Mike Stabile, director of public policy at adult industry trade organization, the Free Speech Coalition.” Read more on Mashable...

A new Washington Post analysis shows that the UK’s age-verification law is already backfiring. Instead of protecting young people, the restrictions have doubled or tripled traffic to unregulated, unsafe porn sites that ignore compliance altogether. Larger platforms like Discord and Reddit are experimenting with face-scan technology to meet requirements, while smaller companies face impossible costs. VPN downloads are surging as users look for workarounds, highlighting what critics warned from the start: these laws don’t stop teens from watching porn, but they do threaten privacy, drive traffic underground, and expand surveillance. Read more on Vice...

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has announced a new age-verification rule set to take effect on November 30. The regulation, issued under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, will require commercial websites where at least one-third of content is pornographic to block access to minors. Non-compliant sites could face civil penalties or injunctive relief. Missouri is the latest state to enact AV requirements, adding to the growing patchwork of laws creating new compliance burdens for adult platforms. Read more on Hoodline...

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed lawsuits against several adult gaming platforms — including Lustyheroes.com, Nutaku.net, and SpiceVids.com — for allegedly failing to implement required age verification under a law that took effect in January. The move follows similar action last month against XVideos. Uthmeier framed the suits as part of Florida’s effort to “protect children,” while Aylo, parent company of Pornhub, defended its platforms, saying they already comply with state requirements. The cases highlight the growing legal battles over how states are enforcing AV laws and the impact on both international and domestic platforms. Read more on Tallahassee...

Bluesky announced it will comply with new age-verification laws in South Dakota and Wyoming by using the Kids Web Services (KWS) system, which offers verification through payment cards, ID checks, or facial age estimation. This marks a different approach from Mississippi, where Bluesky exited after the state’s stricter law required verifying all users and parental consent for minors. The company said South Dakota and Wyoming’s laws allow it to keep the platform available without blanket restrictions. Read more on Tech Crunch...