Stoya Pens N.Y. Times Column on Internet Privacy

NEW YORK  — Opining over the recently outed Duke University student porn performer Belle Knox, adult star Stoya has penned a column on the issue of Internet privacy for the New York Times.

Stoya’s take on the “hysteria” that has surrounded the student’s porn revelation centered on the stark transparency of people’s personal information on the Internet — especially where porn is concerned.

Recalling how her own “Stoya” stage name and persona blew up on the web, Stoya's article pointed out that an alter-ego label no longer protects talent from the prying eyes of the scandal-hungy media or anti-porn witch hunters.

“I am on the board of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, which offers peer-to-peer education and supports performers’ rights. In the introduction to its Porn 101 video, my colleagues explain: ‘There is a great likelihood that everyone you know will see these images, or at least find out,’ and ‘You cannot expect your legal name to remain a secret, and a stage name will not fool people who recognize you,’” Stoya wrote.

The star said that although her porn branding has benefited her — she, and others in the industry — are more than their porn images, and cautioned that outsiders often pass judgment on just few snippets of available digital information.

Add to that the haters who will likely bully and try to disgrace anyone in porn, as is the case with Knox and others simply because their cowardice can hide behind their computers, aspiring porn performers would be wise to recognize the inherent risks of online exposure.

As the piece pointed out, Knox's situation created a firestorm of controversy following her outing and her being identified by her Duke pen name, “Lauren,” ultimately forcing her to reveal her real stage name online — whether she liked it or not.

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

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay on Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Performer Esperanza Goméz Over IG Suspensions

Colombia’s Constitutional Court last week ruled in favor of adult performer Esperanza Gómez in her legal battle against Meta over repeated suspensions of her Instagram account.

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Severe Sex Films Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Severe Sex Films has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

ChickPass Rebrands as 'ChickPass Cinematic Universe'

ChickPass has announced that it has rebranded its network of sites as ChickPass Cinematic Universe.

Brazilian Adult Industry Association ABIPEA Launches

Brazilian Association of the Adult Entertainment Industry and Professionals (ABIPEA) has officially launched its organization.

New Adult Social Media Platform 'Havven' Opens Beta Phase

Havven, a new adult social media platform, has opened its beta phase and will officially launch Oct. 5.

Show More