The Atlantic Publishes Criticism of 'War on Porn' Tactics

The Atlantic Publishes Criticism of 'War on Porn' Tactics

WASHINGTON — The Atlantic published an opinion piece today that criticizes the ongoing War on Porn campaign and its attempts to shut down legal adult content on the internet.

Penned by staff writer Olga Khazan, the opinion piece concluded that although “porn makes for an easy target” for politicians and the professional moralists who lobby them, “legislators focused on labeling it as a 'public health crisis' should consider what problems they are actually trying to solve."

“Many researchers and adult entertainment workers support measures that would reduce kids’ access to porn, ensure that porn videos portray only consenting adults and mandate fair wages for sex workers,” wrote Khazan. “Calling adults’ legal use of pornography a ‘public health crisis’ doesn’t do any of that.”

The Atlantic piece mentions copycat bills distributed by anti-porn lobbyists to likeminded state legislators and efforts to mandate “porn filters.”

The article also correctly identifies the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE, formerly Morality in Media) as “an anti-obscenity nonprofit that produced model legislation for the porn-blocking bill and the public-health-crisis bills.”

As XBIZ reported in January, activists waging the New War on Porn routinely declare that adult content is not free expression protected by the First Amendment in the U.S. and by long-standing traditions of freedom of speech in other lands. It is "a public health crisis," a "drug" and "slavery," using language and notions developed for years — in some cases decades — in well-funded, religiously-motivated think tanks and lobbies. These groups literally have an agenda: to shut down, by whatever means necessary, online porn.

Khazan also spoke to Arizona state Representative Michelle Udall, who admitted she introduced her state’s public-health-crisis bill in 2019 "after hearing from constituents involved with the anti-porn group Fight the New Drug, and that NCOSE gave her a booklet with data and studies on porn."

To read the article, titled “The Porn Crisis That Isn’t,” visit TheAtlantic.com.

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

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More