FSC: Net Neutrality Repeal Would Hurt Adult Industry

FSC: Net Neutrality Repeal Would Hurt Adult Industry

LOS ANGELES — The Free Speech Coalition today issued a call to action over the upcoming vote by regulators that could repeal current net neutrality rules.

An affirmative vote by the Federal Communications Commission at its Dec. 14 monthly meeting would be a critical threat to online businesses, including adult entertainment companies, the FSC said.

The FSC said the following:

Just over a year ago, the FSC warned about the ways in which a conservative administration could use legislation and deregulation to censor adult businesses. That battle is here, and about to intensify.

FSC is calling on its members to vociferously and actively oppose the recent move by the FCC to dismantle Title 2 protections, more generally known as net neutrality.

We see this — coupled with anti-porn resolutions at the state level and SESTA’s attack on protections mandated by Communication Decency Act — as the free speech battle of the 21st Century.

As the trade organization for the adult industry, we know the dangers of corporate and government censorship first hand. Our industry knows what happens when corporations are allowed to prioritize content, exclude it from those networks, or punish those that don’t comply.

We only need to think, for instance, of how adult businesses have been systematically excluded from major marketplaces — whether Apple’s app store, or Google’s Adwords, or advertising on Facebook. Or the way we’ve been arbitrarily excluded from banking or credit cards. Of course, it’s not just adult content. In the past six months alone, we’ve seen funding platform Patreon block adult and sexual health related products, and YouTube demonitize LGBTQ content. The adult industry is the canary in the coal mine of censorship.

We should all be fearful of a world where ISPs determine what sites, content or viewpoints you can access. The internet, like the postal service or the telephone service, is essential for civic participation, it has become our public square. In most areas of the US, there are only one or two major internet providers to choose from. Currently, under the principle of net neutrality, each ISP must treat all internet traffic equally. Every ISP must provide access to all legally accessible sites, and they must not discriminate in services they provide (such as the speed of video streaming) from one site to another.

If the FCC dismantles net neutrality protections, that would change. We could see ISPs:

• Slowing or throttling loading and video speeds on adult content;
• Effectively banning or blocking access to adult content;
• Charging consumers additional fees to access adult content; and,
• Charging adult businesses additional fees in order to be accessible to consumers.

These hurt our businesses, hurt our ability to compete, hurts innovation, and hurt the ability of adult consumers to access and enjoy content that is meaningful to them.

Earlier this year, FSC signed a coalition letter in support of net neutrality with 173 other organizations. We did and do have serious concerns about the ways in which ISPs could and will limit the information and entertainment that citizens can access.

We ask that you call your representatives and ask them to fight the repeal of Title II, and encourage your visitors, members, and fans to do the same.

The next two weeks are critical for our long-term viability. FSC has provided an overview to the issue, and a guide for how to best fight for your rights, and net neutrality here.

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

TrustyFans Introduces New Blog

Creator directory TrustyFans has introduced an official blog to its site, titled "From Hidden to Hype."

JustFor.fans' Dominic Ford Featured in Wired Magazine

JustFor.fans Founder and CEO Dominic Ford is featured in a new article in Wired Magazine, titled "The Internet Revolutionized Porn. Age Verification Could Upend Everything."

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Show More