Senate Passes Anti Child Porn Bills

WASHINGTON — Long-delayed legislation that would make it easier to prosecute people engaged in child pornography passed in the Senate on Tuesday by voice vote.

The measure combines two bills passed by the House last year. One closes a loophole that resulted from a federal court ruling that images obtained on the Internet were not necessarily submitted across state lines and thus subject to federal authority over interstate commerce.

The other allows prosecutors to include money laundering as a tool in child pornography cases and makes it easier to prosecute those who repeatedly view child pornography. This bill now must go back to the House for another vote.

“It is essential that we remain vigilant in the fight against child pornography. Therefore, it is important that we close legal loopholes in order to protect children and convict offenders,” ASACP CEO Joan Irvine told XBIZ. “Since 90 percent of commercial CP is distributed from organized crime from Eastern bloc countries and 5 percent comes from Japan, the most effective tool we have is to stop the flow of money to child pornographers. ASACP participates in the Financial Coalition Against Child Pornography for this exact purpose.”

The two bills were part of a package of 35 bills that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., put together from largely non-controversial measures that Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and other Republicans had stopped from moving forward, either because they wanted debate time or objected to the costs. Reid tried to pass all 35 in one package several times recently, but Coburn has stood in the way.

Only four of the 35 bills, the two mentioned plus two more involving information for parents of children with Down's Syndrome and a nationwide registry for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, passed.

Reid said he would continue to try next year to pass the bills, which include measures focused on specific illnesses, child protection and preservation of the environment.

Congress is expected to adjourn this week for the upcoming November elections.

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

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

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.”

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.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More