Justice Department Releases 2257 FAQs

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department and its Obscenity Prosecution Task Force has posted a list of frequently asked questions and answers pertaining to the most recent revisions for 18 U.S.C. § 2257 regulations, which were issued in December.

The 18 U.S.C. § 2257 regulations govern "name- and age-verification, record-keeping and labeling requirements on producers of visual depictions of actual human beings engaged in actual sexually explicit conduct," as the introduction to the FAQs puts it.

"This is a useful tool for people who have questions about some of the basic operations. It also is valuable as it binds the government to specific positions," said attorney Jeffrey Douglas, Free Speech Coalition board chair. "As always, if you are unsure about or have questions regarding 2257 compliance, make sure to contact an attorney familiar with 18 U.S.C. § 2257."

The Justice Department’s FAQs attempt to define terms including "lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area" and "simulated sexually explicit conduct." The FAQs also include information about which parts of a performer's ID can be redacted, whether records can be kept electronically and the appropriate dating of content.

Adult industry trade group the Free Speech Coalition has announced plans to challenge the revised 2257 regulations. In ongoing litigation against the Justice Department and the 2257 regulations, FSC has asserted that the regulations are burdensome for producers of sexually explicit content and a violation of content producers' First Amendment rights.

"FSC will continue to fight for adult entertainment producers, both primary and secondary, as we move forward in our suit against the federal government," FSC Executive Director Diane Duke said. "In the meantime, we will do all we can to make sure that our members and the industry have the most up-to-date information so that they can do their best to comply with this onerous law."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 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 News

Madi Collins Signs Exclusive Contract With Vixen Media Group

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has signed Madi Collins to an exclusive contract.

Zariah Aura Leads Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Summer Col and Robby Apples in the latest release from Transfixed, titled “Catching His Cheating Girlfriend.”

Yhivi Stars in 'Pornstar Matchmaker: Episode 2' From Brazzers

Yhivi stars with Ryan Reid and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the second episode of the new Brazzers series, “Pornstar Matchmaker.”

Penny Barber Featured in Latest From Kink.com

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Max Mabry in the new scene from Kink.com, titled “Mommy’s Cock-Hungry Hole.”

River Lynn Leads 'The Fucket List: Pizza With A Side Of Nuru' From Adult Time

River Lynn stars with Axel Haze in the latest Jim Powers-helmed scene "The Fucket List: Pizza With A Side Of Nuru," from studio brand Nuru Massage.

New Membership Site 'Sluts Corner' Launches

R18 Entertainment has launched a new membership site, SlutsCorner.com.

Avery Lust, Cliff Jensen Star in Latest From TransSensual

Avery Lust and Cliff Jensen star in the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Brittany Andrews Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Brittany Andrews stars with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Leather and Bubble Butts.”

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Show More