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New GOP bill would basically ban porn, experts warn

The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act would rewrite SCOTUS's definition of obscenity. A bill that rewrites the legal definition of "obscenity" could potentially change the internet as we know it. Last week, Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Illinois Rep. Mary Miller reintroduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), which would redefine what is considered "obscene" material. Obscenity isn't protected by the First Amendment, which enshrines freedom of speech. "It may as well be an outright ban on pornography," adult industry attorney Corey D. Silverstein told Mashable, "because basically, under [Lee's] definition, all adult entertainment, all forms of pornography, will be…

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Why Supporting Adult Entertainment Non-Profits Requires More Than Just Donations

When people think about supporting causes they believe in, donating money is often the first solution that comes to mind. While financial contributions are crucial for keeping non-profits in the adult entertainment industry, such as the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP), the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, Pineapple Support, New Moon Network, and Cupcake Girls, operational, there is a deeper level of engagement that is just as essential — volunteering time, advocacy, and community involvement. The adult entertainment industry is one that faces constant legal battles, societal stigma, and workplace challenges, making it even more important…

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U.S. Congress Passes the TAKE IT DOWN Act: New Criminal Offenses and Platform Takedown Obligations for Nonconsensual Intimate Imagery (NCII)

On April 28, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed S. 146, the TAKE IT DOWN Act, following unanimous Senate approval in February. The bill, formally titled Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes On Websites and Networks, now heads to President Donald Trump's desk for signature, where it is expected to become law with strong bipartisan support and endorsement from First Lady Melania Trump. This landmark legislation addresses the growing harms posed by both authentic and synthetic nonconsensual intimate images (NCII). It establishes new criminal penalties and imposes civil obligations on online platforms to swiftly remove…

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US Federal Age Verification on the Horizon – the SCREEN Act

For those of you who have been counting, as of this writing, there are now over 20 different enacted and proposed state laws in the United States requiring age verification for online content, particularly concerning adult entertainment websites. The sheer volume of these laws has been exhausting to the adult entertainment industry. Unfortunately, the adult industry has a new looming potential threat in the form of a United States federal law related to age verification. Featured In The April 2025 Edition Of XBIZ World The Shielding Children's Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net (SCREEN) Act, is a legislative proposal…

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New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term ‘Sex Work’

ALBANY, N.Y. — Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents. The bill, AB 7008, would amend Section 69 of the general construction law to prohibit "the use of the term 'sex work' and certain variations of such term in the law or any rule, regulation or resolution." The variations include "sex worker," "sex-work" and "sex-worker." "I cannot count how many times I have used terms like 'ridiculous,' 'incomprehensible' or 'naive' when describing some of the proposed laws that I have reviewed during my 20-year…

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The Importance of Protecting AI Content Generation Rights for Content Producers

In today’s digital age, content producers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Among these tools, artificial intelligence (AI) content generation has emerged as a game-changer, enabling creators to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently. However, with this convenience comes a significant responsibility: safeguarding the rights associated with AI-generated content. Failing to do so can have long-term repercussions for creators and their intellectual property. Regardless of the type of content that you are creating, the game has changed and there quite a few legal considerations. Featured In The March 2025 Edition Of XBIZ World Understanding AI Content Generation…

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South Dakota Passes Age Verification Law, Setting Up Constitutional Clash

Another state has joined the growing list of jurisdictions implementing age verification requirements for adult content. South Dakota’s newly passed law takes a unique approach but still raises serious constitutional concerns. Given the significant impact this law could have on website operators and the adult content industry as a whole, it is essential to examine the law in detail and consider the necessary compliance measures. Here’s what website operators need to know. Key Provisions of the Law Effective Date: July 1, 2025, giving website operators a limited window to implement changes and prepare for compliance. Applicability: Unlike other states that…

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Ofcom’s Illegal Content Compliance Tool – Key Deadlines and Responsibilities

On January 21, 2025, Ofcom updated its interactive compliance tool to assist providers of user-to-user and search services in meeting their obligations under the Online Safety Act 2023. The tool is designed to help service providers conduct their illegal content risk assessments and comply with illegal content safety duties, record-keeping, and review obligations. Key Requirements & Deadlines Risk Assessment Deadline: Your first illegal content risk assessment must be completed by March 16, 2025. New or Modified Services: If you launch a new service or modify an existing one so that it falls under the Act, you must complete a risk…

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Indemnification – You’ve All Heard the Term but What Does It Mean?

Over the course of my career as a lawyer, I couldn’t even estimate how many times a client has requested that I review a contract or assist with a contractual dispute. Time and time again, I’m told by the client that they didn’t understand or even read certain portions of the contract because it was just “standard legalese” and thus unimportant. This belief couldn’t be further from the truth and almost always leads to disastrous consequences. Featured In The February 2025 Edition Of XBIZ World "Legalese" refers to the specialized language used in legal documents, including contracts. While it can…

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Ofcom Publishes Industry Guidance for Online Age Assurance under the Online Safety Act

In a significant development, Ofcom has issued new guidance to ensure compliance with the Online Safety Act, requiring effective age checks on platforms hosting pornography and other harmful content. These measures aim to safeguard children online, with strict implementation deadlines and enforcement actions looming for non-compliant services. Key Highlights from Ofcom’s Guidance Mandatory Age Assurance Implementation by July 2025: Part 5 services (those publishing their own pornography) must begin implementing robust age assurance immediately. Part 3 services (platforms hosting user-generated pornography and other harmful content, such as social media, tube sites, and fan platforms) must have fully operational age checks…

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