Major Cellphone Providers’ Standards Put Brakes on Adult, Report Says

LOS ANGELES — Major U.S. wireless carriers are quietly setting strict decency standards for their content partners that go far beyond those set by federal regulators for TV and radio, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The newspaper reviewed numerous guidelines and found that much of the rules go far beyond those set by federal regulators for TV and radio.

A Verizon Wireless content-guideline document showed that the company has developed a long list of restrictions, including specific rules for how much bare skin models can show and a ban on expletives and curse words, as well as derogatory references to Verizon Wireless itself.

The Verizon Wireless rules cover all content, including the names of the digital content files people download. The guidelines divide visual images of women into several categories, describing what is acceptable. For example, in the “Lingerie” category, prohibited visuals include “nipple shadow” and “see-through underwear.”

For the category of “Medium Shot Rear Nude — Female,” the rules allow “a full rear view but not with legs up or apart.” As for men, the guidelines admonish that a “penis must not appear erect underneath clothing.”

A list of prohibited words is even more exhaustive, with 83 specific entries. It covers body parts — with various names for them — as well as a number of terms describing sexual intercourse.

Sprint Nextel Corp. signed on to the CTIA guidelines but hasn't crafted its own formal standards. CTIA, the wireless industry trade group, issued broad content guidelines in November, but largely left it to the carriers to implement their own policies.

Cingular Wireless also has developed content standards that bar profanity, nudity, sexually graphic images, violence and hate speech.

Cingular has a list of “restricted” words that run the gamut from explicit body-part references to the words “condom” and “lesbian.” Images “depicting or insinuating nudity or partial nudity,” including photos from Maxim and Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue, would be restricted. With video, Cingular would generally allow movie content that is rated “G” or “PG” and TV content that is rated “G,” “TV-Y,” “TV-Y7,” and “PG.”

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

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.

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.

Pastelle Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Pastelle has made her TransAngels debut alongside Ali Rush in "Royal Sucksession."

A Day With Mike Quasar: Porn, Pets and Wit That Won't Quit

Mike Quasar has been working in the adult industry for 34 years. The highly respected veteran director admits to feeling a little astonished by this fact.

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Angela White stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Brazzers Beach."

Eva Angelina on Stepping Back Into the Spotlight With Purpose

Eva Angelina is back in front of the camera, stronger and sharper than ever, and the veteran performer recently marked her return to the industry in her own inimitable badass style: not just with a bang, but a dazzling signal flare.

Cassie Del Isla, Ama Rio Topline Latest 'Secret Lesbian Diaries'

Cassie Del Isla and Ama Rio headline the 15th volume of "Secret Lesbian Diaries" from Girlfriends Films.

Show More