FSC Deposition Deemed a Success, Lawyers Say

WASHINGTON – Four of the lawyers representing the Free Speech Coalition in its lawsuit against the federal government concluded a four-hour deposition today of Howard Schmidt, a technology expert and government witness. Schmidt contends that the amended 2257 record-keeping law is not burdensome on primary and secondary producers.

Attorneys Greg Piccionelli, Louis Sirkin, Paul Cambria and Jennifer Kingsley deposed Schmidt in Washington in what Piccionelli told XBiz was a very successful session and “another great day for the industry.”

Schmidt’s opinion is that 2257 compliance is not as challenging as it is believed to be by the attorneys representing the FSC and its members in a federal lawsuit seeking to obtain a permanent injunction against the amendments. The FSC believes that the updated record-keeping process is so complex and demanding that it could put many webmasters out of business.

Schmidt is widely recognized as an expert in the field of computer forensics and computer evidence collection.

“We definitely obtained our goals,” Piccionelli told XBiz. “It went very well and we accomplished everything we set out to do and then some. The government was definitely thrown by some of our questions.”

A former chief technology strategist for Microsoft and then for eBay in 2003, Schmidt returned to his post with the federal government in 2004 to work with the Homeland Security Department as head of The National Cyber Security Division, which Schmidt took control of after top cybersecurity official Amit Yoran resigned last year. He has an $80 million budget and 60 employees.

Schmidt worked formerly as a special cybersecurity adviser to President Bush in 2001 and helped draft the government’s cybersecurity plan. Schmidt also worked as police officer in the late 1980s.

Before Microsoft, Schmidt was a supervisory special agent and director of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Computer Forensic Lab and Computer Crime and Information Warfare Division. He also worked formerly with the FBI at the National Drug Intelligence Center, where he headed the Computer Exploitation Team.

Today’s deposition will be the only one the FSC legal team will conduct prior to the Aug. 1 court hearing in Denver.

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

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

Nadia Jay Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Nadia Jay stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fucking the Bath Voyeur."

Tommy Gunn Reflects on His Legendary Past as He Looks to the Future

Tommy Gunn is wearing an eyepatch. It’s not an homage to the classic "Pirates" porn parody franchise, in which Gunn takes on the Johnny Depp role. The eyepatch is a temporary measure to help him deal with a nerve palsy that came out of nowhere several years ago and affects his vision from time to time. Gunn needs his vision. As one of the adult industry’s longest-serving male stars, he still has plenty to look forward to.

Rocco Siffredi Directs New Rebel Rhyder Showcase

Evil Angel has released Rocco Siffredi’s Rebel Rhyder showcase title, "Rebel Meets Rebel."

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

Show More