Feature Articles
From Compliance to Confidence: The Future of Safety in Adult Platforms
opinion
From Compliance to Confidence: The Future of Safety in Adult Platforms
In numerous countries and U.S. states, laws now require platforms to prevent minors from accessing age-inappropriate material. But the need for safeguarding doesn’t end with age verification. Today’s online landscape also places adult companies at uniquely high risk for inadvertently facilitating exploitation, abuse or reputational harm, or of being accused of doing so.
What Adult Businesses Need to Know About Florida's Age Verification Law
opinion
What Adult Businesses Need to Know About Florida's Age Verification Law
The rise and proliferation of age verification laws has changed the landscape for the online adult industry. A recent and compelling example is the state of Florida, where Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed multiple complaints against major platforms as well as affiliates accused of violating the state’s AV law.
Maintaining Brand Trust in the Face of Negative Press
opinion
Maintaining Brand Trust in the Face of Negative Press
Over the last year, several of our merchants have found themselves caught up in litigation over compliance with state age verification laws. Recently, Segpay itself was pulled into the spotlight, facing scrutiny over Florida’s AV statute, HB 3. These stories inevitably get picked up by both industry and mainstream news outlets.
How to Switch Payment Processors Without Disrupting Business
opinion
How to Switch Payment Processors Without Disrupting Business
For many merchants, the idea of switching payment processors can feel pretty overwhelming. That’s understandable. After all, downtime can stall sales, recurring subscriptions can suddenly fail, or compliance gaps can put accounts at risk. Operating in a high-risk sector like the adult industry can further amplify the stress of transition.
How to Stay Legally Protected When Policies Get Outdated
opinion
How to Stay Legally Protected When Policies Get Outdated
The adult industry has long operated in a complex legal environment subject to rapid change. Now, a confluence of age verification laws, lawsuits, credit card processing and data privacy rules has created an urgent need for all industry participants — from major platforms to independent creators — to review and potentially overhaul their legal and operational policies.
From Compliance Chaos to Crypto Clarity: Making the Case for Digital Payments in Adult
opinion
From Compliance Chaos to Crypto Clarity: Making the Case for Digital Payments in Adult
These are uncertain times for adult merchants. With compliance tightening and age verification mandates rising, the barrier to entry keeps getting higher.
Real-Time Insights to Streamline E-Payments and Stop Lost Sales
opinion
Real-Time Insights to Streamline E-Payments and Stop Lost Sales
A slow checkout process is more than just annoying — it’s expensive. In a high-risk sector like the adult industry, even small delays or declined transactions can cost businesses thousands in lost revenue every month.
Breaking Down HB 805 and How it Affects the Adult Industry
opinion
Breaking Down HB 805 and How it Affects the Adult Industry
North Carolina House Bill 805 was enacted July 29, after the state legislature overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto. The provisions that relate to the adult industry, imposing requirements for age verification, consent and content removal, are scheduled to become effective Dec. 1. Platforms have until then to update their policies and systems to comply with the new regulations.
Staying Compliant With Payment Standards Across Europe and Australia
opinion
Staying Compliant With Payment Standards Across Europe and Australia
So, you’ve got your eye on international growth. Smart move. No matter where adult-industry merchants operate, however, one requirement remains consistent: regulatory compliance. This isn’t just a legal checkbox — it’s a critical component of keeping payments flowing and business operations intact.
How to Avoid Copyright Pitfalls When Using Music in Adult Content
opinion
How to Avoid Copyright Pitfalls When Using Music in Adult Content
When creating an adult video, bringing your vision to life often means assembling just the right ingredients — including the right music. However, adding music to adult content can raise complex legal and ethical issues.
New Visa Rules Adult Merchants Need to Know
opinion
New Visa Rules Adult Merchants Need to Know
In December 2024, I shared an update on the upcoming rollout of Visa’s Acquirer Monitoring Program, also known as VAMP. The final version went into effect in June, and enforcement will begin in October. With just a month to go, now is the time to review what’s changing and how to stay compliant.
WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser
opinion
WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser
With her fiery red hair and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.
Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices
opinion
Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices
The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.
Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants
opinion
Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants
For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.
What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech
opinion
What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech
On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.
What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad
opinion
What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad
Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.
How the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act Could Impact Adult Businesses
opinion
How the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act Could Impact Adult Businesses
Congress is considering a bill that would change the well-settled definition of obscenity and create extensive new risks for the adult industry. The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, makes a mockery of the First Amendment and should be roundly rejected.
What US Sites Need to Know About UK's Online Safety Act
opinion
What US Sites Need to Know About UK's Online Safety Act
In a high-risk space like the adult industry, overlooking or ignoring ever-changing rules and regulations can cost you dearly. In the United Kingdom, significant change has now arrived in the form of the Online Safety Act — and failure to comply with its requirements could cost merchants millions of dollars in fines.
Understanding the MATCH List and How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted
opinion
Understanding the MATCH List and How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted
Business is booming, sales are steady and your customer base is growing. Everything seems to be running smoothly — until suddenly, Stripe pulls the plug. With one cold, automated email, your payment processing is shut down. No warning, no explanation.
What France's New Law Means for Age Verification Worldwide
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opinion
What France's New Law Means for Age Verification Worldwide
When France implemented its Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law on April 11, it marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing global debate surrounding online safety and access to adult content.
