West Virginia’s age verification law, HB 4412, takes effect on Friday, June 12, 2026. Sites accessible in West Virginia should review the law and take steps to comply in order to avoid potential enforcement. Under the West Virginia law, any site with 33 1/3% sexual material harmful to minors is required to age-verify visitors. Approved methods include digital identification, government-issued ID, or a commercially reasonable system that verifies age using public or private transactional data. The West Virginia Office of Technology is authorized (but not required) to propose rules that expand the list of approved methods in the future. Read more on our blog...

The Free Speech Coalition and EPA United have launched FSC Speak Out, a new media campaign that puts the voices of adult creators at the center of conversations about the industry. The project features interviews with 22 performers sharing their experiences, the opportunities they have found through their work, and the challenges they face navigating stigma and discrimination.

Throughout the summer, FSC will release creator-led videos and stories addressing common misconceptions about the industry and the real-world impact of policies targeting adult workers. Creators are also invited to participate by sharing their own stories using the hashtag #FSCSpeakOut. Learn more on our blog...

North Carolina lawmakers have introduced a bill that would impose a 50% excise tax on material deemed “obscene” or “harmful to minors,” with revenue directed toward anti-trafficking and domestic violence programs. During committee debate, lawmakers raised concerns about the bill’s vague definitions and the broad authority it would give the Department of Revenue to determine what content is subject to the tax. The proposal has not yet advanced out of committee and is expected to receive further consideration this week. Read more on Charlotte Observer...

A new report from Clips4Sale found that prices for many types of fetish content have risen significantly since 2020, with some categories increasing by more than 50%. Creators interviewed by Playboy said rising production expenses, platform fees, equipment costs, testing requirements, and location rentals have made content creation more expensive, leading some to increase prices for custom content. The article highlights how adult creators, like other small business owners, are navigating inflation and economic uncertainty while balancing rising costs with subscriber retention. Read more on Playboy...

Pineapple Support has launched a new free, six-week online support group for LGBTQ+ adult industry workers, sponsored by Stripchat. The group will be led by therapist Rachael Fumiatti and aims to provide an affirming space for participants to discuss their experiences, build community, and access peer support. The program begins June 5 and is part of Pineapple Support’s ongoing work connecting adult industry professionals with free and low-cost mental health resources. Read more on AVN...

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has launched a new portal allowing citizens to report potential violations of the country’s Digital ECA law, including failures to implement age verification on adult websites. The agency said complaints will be used to identify platforms that may not be complying with the law and to determine whether investigations are warranted. The Digital ECA requires adult sites serving users in Brazil to verify age beyond self-declaration, regardless of where the platform is based. Read more on XBIZ...

Indiana authorities are investigating the disappearance of more than $33,000 seized during a 2023 raid on two massage businesses accused of facilitating prostitution. The missing funds were discovered after a newly appointed town marshal found that a portion of the seized cash had been stored in a rental unit rather than a secure account, prompting a state police investigation. The case has renewed scrutiny of law enforcement practices in massage parlor investigations, particularly the use of asset seizures and trafficking allegations in cases where criminal proceedings remain ongoing. Read more on Reason...