Online Adult Pioneer Todd Ostrer Passes

PORTLAND, Ore. — Internet pioneer Todd Ostrer died earlier this month at the age of 43.

In the 1990s, Ostrer founded such online brands as XXXCD.com, one of the first online adult retailers, and Adults.com, one of the first online adult brands that acted as a search engine.

Ostrer was one of the first to automate fee-based adult services with automatic signup, real-time online credit card charging and password access.

In the late 1990s, Ostrer ventured into retail sales over the Internet with such sites as SexToyWorld.com and SafeSexMall.com.

The Gresham, Ore., resident first achieved success over the Internet with his local Rose City Online business, which offered adult content for members. Rose City Online later turned into one of the first ISPs in the Portland area.

The cause of Ostrer's death on Oct. 7 was not announced.   

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 News

Kazumi Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Kazumi is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall, and streaming on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

WIFEY Publishes 'Hotwife Paradox' Report

Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY has published a report on the hotwife lifestyle.

Pineapple Support Partners with Better Life Science's 'STD Hero'

Pineapple Support has partnered with Better Life Science brand STD Hero.

Brazil Sets Enforcement Timeline for New AV Rules

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Friday published a timeline outlining planned steps for monitoring and enforcing age verification under the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which took effect Tuesday.

Utah Governor Signs 'Porn Tax' and VPN Rule Into Law

Governor Spencer Cox on Friday signed into law a bill to tax adult websites and make them liable if minors circumvent geolocation.

BranditScan Launches 'White Glove' Subscription Tier

BranditScan has launched its new White Glove subscription tier for creators.

German Court: Regulator Can't Block Creator's IG Account, Only Posts

A German court has ruled that while a regional media regulatory agency may block specific Instagram posts that include material deemed harmful to minors, it cannot ban an entire Instagram account due to such a post.

Brazil Lays Out Preliminary Guidelines for New AV Requirements

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday signed a decree establishing guidelines for new regulations requiring adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Senate Committee Debates Section 230 Reform

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing Wednesday on potential changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Pearl Industry Network Offers Free Creator Memberships

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched its free creator membership initiative.

Show More