Articles by Rick Louis
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.
UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'
Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.
UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.
North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites
The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.
Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case
The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.
Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures
A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.
Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements
Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.
Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn
The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.
Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content
A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.
New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content
The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.
French Court Suspends Age Verification Rule for EU Sites
The Paris Administrative Court has suspended enforcement of age verification regulations for sites based in other European Union member nations, pending a final judgment on whether France’s AV rules align with EU standards.
UK Parliament Weighs Proposals Targeting Adult Content
The U.K. Parliament this week debated proposed amendments to the pending Crime and Policing Bill, including clauses criminalizing “choking” content — and potentially outlawing paying for sex acts in cam performances and custom clips.