FCC Chair Abandons Porn Filter-for-Free Internet Alternative

WASHINGTON — FCC Chairman Kevin Martin continues to pursue his plan to offer free wireless broadband service for the entire country, though he has abandoned plans to include a mandatory porn filter on the proposed service.

Martin's plan originated with the emergence of a portion of the wireless spectrum that came up for auction. When frequencies 2155 to 2180MHz became available, the FCC wanted to mandate that whoever won the auction would set aside a quarter of the airwaves for a free Internet service that would include no adult material.

The plan encountered many setbacks and much resistance, including a failed vote that the FCC tabled. This week Martin said he wants to see the plan to its fruition, but he can live without the adult filter.

"I'm saying if this is a problem for people, let's take it away," Martin told the tech blog ArsTechnica. "A lot of public-interest advocates have said they would support this, but we're concerned about the filter. Well, now there's an item in front of the commissioners and it no longer has the filter. And I've already voted for it without the filter now. So it's already got one vote."

Martin added that he has yet to secure any more votes in favor of his plan.

When the FCC tabled Martin's vote last week, two House Democrats wrote a letter urging the FCC to take another look at the idea. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and Adolphus Towns (D-N.Y.) sent the letter to the FCC's Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps.

"We are troubled by the cumbersome obstacles that this particular auction has faced over the years," they wrote.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.), next year's chairs of their House Commerce and Senate Commerce committees, opposed the pursuit of the new, porn-free Internet.

"It would be counterproductive for the FCC to consider unrelated items, especially complex and controversial items that the new Congress and new administration will have an interest in reviewing," they wrote. "We strongly urge you to concentrate the Commission's attention and resources only on matters that require action under the law."

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

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Creator Networking App 'Plaiir' Launches

Plaiir, a mobile networking app for creators, has officially launched.

North Dakota House Committee Questions Anti-Porn 'Public Health Hazard' Claim

The North Dakota House of Representatives Education Committee on Monday amended a resolution that would have recognized pornography as a “public health hazard,” instead replacing that language with a call for further study into whether such a designation is appropriate.

Show More