Worried Over Porn Shots, Burning Man Sets Up Photo Policy

BLACK ROCK DESERT, Nev. — Burning Man organizers say that because more photos of nude women are showing up on online adult websites, they are ready to expel any individual who takes photos and doesn’t sign a “personal use agreement.”

The new policy goes in effect today, the first day of Burning Man, and was crafted to allow the festival to hold the copyright for images that attendees post on any website operated by third parties.

The rules give organizers the ability to force websites — even Facebook — to remove images organizers don't approve of.

The policy says those who post photos from the event on a website controlled by a third party must agree to give organizers the copyright "so that Burning Man can enforce against the third party any restrictions concerning use of the images."

Approved photographers will be “tagged” at the event.

But Fred Von Lohmann, senior staff attorney with the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation said the new rules don’t match with the principles that Burning Man aspires to.

"The policy allows them to exercise the censorship powers that copyright-owners enjoy," he said.

Andie Grace, a spokeswoman for the festival, said that isn’t so and that the concern was to protect the privacy rights of the people attending the event.

"Our main concern in enacting the policy was to be able to create this weeklong cultural bubble where people can express themselves without worrying about their image being plastered all over the Internet," she said, reiterating that Burning Man wants to be able to take down these images if the poster refuses.

"There are a lot of nude people out here, and this protects the school teacher from Iowa who doesn't wasn't want to appear on a porn site," she said. "I acknowledge that the copyright law is heavy-handed way of handling this, but it's the only tool we have right now."

View Burning Man Agreement

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

Op-Ed: The Guardian's XBIZ Amsterdam Podcast Dismisses Creators' Experiences

British newspaper The Guardian’s podcast coverage of XBIZ Amsterdam 2025 purports to investigate the power dynamics of today’s online adult industry. Instead, it ignores creators’ voices, airs tired and outdated preconceptions about the business, and rehashes the unsupported claims of anti-pornography crusaders.

Eva Maxim, BranditScan Launch 'Killer' Promo

Eva Maxim and BranditScan have partnered for the Killer Creator Giveaway promotion.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2026 digital media conference.

AEBN Publishes Report on POV Trends

AEBN has published a report on POV and gonzo categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Joybear Pictures to Launch 'I Really Love' Studio Imprint

Joybear Pictures has announced that its new studio imprint, I Really Love, will launch in January.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Life Transitions' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group on navigating transitional and liminal spaces.

CamSoda Launches 'Trick or Tease' AI Companions

CamSoda has launched its Halloween-themed Trick or Tease AI companions.

Russian Lawmakers Call for Age Verification

Two Russian lawmakers have called on the country’s government to implement age verification for adult content.

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Show More