opinion

Will 2257 Legislation Continue? What You Need to Know

How much money has your company spent on complying with 2257 regulations? Most likely it has wasted thousands of dollars a year on attorney’s fees, staffing, software, and record storage in order to comply with a law that goes much further to protect government bureaucracy than children.

Worse yet, if your company is not complying with 18 U.S.C. 2257and18 U.S.C. 2257A, you not only run the risk of extensive fines, but also five years of imprisonment per offense.

On December 18, 2008, the Justice Department published the final regulations required by the Adam Walsh Act, which amended 2257 and enacted 2257A, and broadened 2257’s record keeping and labeling requirements. Regulations took effect on January 20, 2009 and contained the finalized regulations implementing both Section 2257 and Section 2257A.

These regulations apply to a vast number of persons who produce sexual imagery — both primary and secondary producers — including those who create the original images, those who digitize those images, those who insert such images on a computer or website, or those who publish them or republish them in a magazine, catalogue or brochure.

On October 5th 2009, FSC’s counsel, J. Michael Murray and his firm, Berkman, Gordon, Murray and DeVan filed a constitutional challenge to 18 U.S.C. 2257, 18 U.S.C. 2257A and sought an injunction against those statutes and their implementing regulations. FSC is joined in this lawsuit by an exceptional group of additional plaintiffs.

FSC’s mission is to lead, protect and support the growth and well being of the adult entertainment industry. One component of that mission is to serve as a legal watchdog for the industry. As the adult entertainment industry’s trade association, through our membership, FSC is able to represent all sectors of the industry nationwide. Moreover, with the industry’s trade association filing suit, no one company bears the financial burden of this costly litigation.

If this critical litigation is to continue, the industry must provide financial support. Membership dues of $300,000 barely covers the cost of operations. Allow me to dispel the myth that FSC has a wealthy litigation fund able to fund any and all litigation necessary. No such fund exists. The truth is, all litigation is paid for through donations. Generous contributors like Phil Harvey Enterprises, Online Buddies, AEBN, and Wicked Pictures have helped us out thus far. But we have a long way to go. In order to continue, FSC must raise $100,000 in the first half of 2010 to cover current litigation debt and the injunctive hearing scheduled for March.

If you are ready to eliminate the outrageous cost of complying with 2257 and the risk of imprisonment for this unconstitutional and burdensome law, then contribute to FSC’s 2257 litigation fund. If you are not a member, then you will not be included in this critical litigation-join. For more information on how to join and donate, contact FSC at 818-348-9373.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

Clips4Sale's Christy on Backing Creators and Fueling Growth

Understanding the industry from within goes beyond data. For Christy, Manager of Creator Experience at Clips4Sale, that insight is shaped by front-line conversations and years spent listening not just to trends, but to people.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Breaking Down AI-Powered Moderation and Platform Safety

Adult platforms, including content sites, cam services and dating apps, consistently face a range of high-risk challenges. These include verifying consent, particularly for user-uploaded content, addressing non-consensual material such as leaks and so-called revenge porn, and ensuring effective age verification and protection for minors.

Christoph Hermes ·
opinion

How to Optimize Subscription Billing for Compliance and Stability

The Federal Trade Commission’s “click to cancel” rule is coming back around. Last year, a federal appeals court vacated the FTC’s Negative Option Rule, aimed at addressing deceptive or unfair practices and making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

Key Strategies for Streamlining Payment Processing Approval

Why is it taking so long to get my account approved? It's frustrating for everyone involved, but it's all part of the process. Over the past year, timelines have stretched to 60 days or more for merchants to complete onboarding, from internal compliance review to banking partner approval and final card brand registration.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

What to Know About Alabama's Regulatory Push on Adult Content

Over the past two years, Alabama has quietly but aggressively transformed itself into one of the most restrictive and unfriendly jurisdictions for the adult entertainment industry. Through the enactment of House Bill 164 and related enforcement mechanisms, the state has layered taxation, compliance burdens and content restrictions in a way that goes far beyond traditional regulation.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
profile

Chaturbate's Emely Zuniga Talks Show Floor Magic and Creator Care

During industry events, you’ll likely find Zuniga gliding through the room, greeting creators, checking details and making sure everyone around her feels taken care of. With her colorful red hair, perfectly done nails and an easygoing, “work bestie” demeanor that instantly puts people at ease, she thrives in the fast-paced environment of conferences and trade shows.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

What to Know About Deepfakes, Likeness Rights, and Digital Consent

AI is reshaping virtually every sector of the global economy, and the adult industry is no exception. Many adult companies have already explored or adopted AI in content production, and surveys indicate that around 65% have considered implementing AI technologies in their operations.

Christoph Hermes ·
opinion

Key Strategies for Adapting to Stricter PCI Compliance Standards

When it comes to PCI compliance, the days of simply filling out some paperwork and answering a few questions are gone. A casual approach is just not viable anymore.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

How to Maximize Value From Your Payment Processing Fees

Regulatory requirements are putting more and more pressure on the adult industry. To stay compliant, merchants need tools that help with content moderation, age verification and fraud solutions. Unfortunately, the fees for those tools are hitting merchants’ bottom lines — including fees charged by payment services providers.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Understanding Sin Taxes and the Legal Roadblocks Ahead

As of this writing, a bill sits on the desk of Utah’s governor, awaiting his signature to make it state law. That bill includes a provision imposing an excise tax of 2% on adult sites operating in the state.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More