New York Lawmakers Target Online Violence

NEW YORK — New York lawmakers are now targeting what they erroneously refer to as online "violence porn" — which is material that graphically depicts criminal assaults, such as the popular high-school "cat fight" videos seen on YouTube.

The sensationalized misuse of the word "porn" in this context is an obvious attention-getting scam designed to polarize public opinion on material that typically lacks any sexual component whatsoever.

Lawmakers believe that the sharing of these videotaped crimes assaults victims a second time and promotes this reprehensible cultural phenomenon.

"They make me sick," said Sen. John Flanagan. "We should never, ever, ever glorify this type of behavior."

The bill would make "unlawful violent recording" — or encouraging others to engage in these crimes — a felony; with penalties of up to four years in prison.

Noted free speech attorney Lawrence Walters believes that despite the New York initiative and several similar efforts nationwide, such a law would face an uphill battle when subjected to court review.

"Any time that you attempt to criminalize media based on its content, that is antithetical to the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech," Walters said. "The only media that the courts have agreed to criminalize, or authorize to be prohibited, are obscenity and child pornography. Everything else is presumed to be protected by the Constitution."

Although Sen. Joseph Robach acknowledged that showing a video might be a free speech right, the abuse being depicted is a crime that is not covered under the First Amendment.

"What created it — being violent — is not the First Amendment right," Robach said.

Civil remedies for these grievances already exist, however.

"We've dealt with some of the fallout from the bum fights-type media, where later on somebody who was involved in the filming comes back and says somebody was paid to assault me," Walters said. "That would be a civil claim for damages. That's permitted in our society if somebody feels they were taken advantage of."

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 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

Skinfluential Management's FansFuel Acquires Fanwire

FansFuel has acquired creator account management tool Fanwire.

Pineapple Support Appoints Kasey Kei as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has appointed veteran performer and content creator Kasey Kei as its latest brand ambassador.

Nebraska AV Bill Moves Forward Despite Privacy, Free Speech Concerns

Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature has given first-round approval to LB 1092, the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Eva Maxim, Katrina Colt Headline 'Cumming to LA' From Cherry Kiss

Eva Maxim and Katrina Colt star with Vince Karter in 2021 XBIZ Europas Female Performer of the Year Cherry Kiss' "Cumming to L.A.," from Evil Angel.

AEBN Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Adult Entertainment Broadcast Network (AEBN) is celebrating its 25th year in business this week.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still pursue antitrust claims in the future.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

Show More