Appeals Court Approves Child Porn Searches

SAN FRANCISCO – An appeals court has ruled that police can search a suspect’s computer hard drive if that person is known to have subscribed to a child porn website, enabling police and investigators fewer constraints during child porn searches and seizures.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined that there is "fair probability" that members of child porn sites who have submitted their credit card information are likely to be receiving and downloading child porn images, and therefore, it is within a reasonable scope that investigators be allowed to search hard drives for evidence.

The decision is based on a case involving the website LolitaGurls.com and a site member, Micah Gourde, who was under investigation. While Gourde was a known member of the site, and child porn was found on his hard drive by the FBI at the time of the investigation, his attorney had tried to suppress more than 100 child porn images arguing that the FBI’s affidavit did not establish probable cause that Gourde had violated child pornography law, and therefore a search of his computer was unwarranted.

But the appeals court determined in its ruling that since Gourde had paid money to be a member of the site, that there was “probable cause” that he had in fact downloaded illegal images, and that the FBI had acted fairly in its search of the hard drive.

The panel voted nine to two in its ruling that a district court had properly declined to suppress the evidence, according to reports. Gourde’s attorney has said he will consider appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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

Ofcom: Age Assurance Going Live Across 'Thousands' of Porn Sites

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom said in a statement Thursday that providers of online pornography are implementing age assurance across “thousands of sites” accessible in the U.K., in response to Ofcom’s Online Safety Act (OSA) enforcement program.

ASGMax Debuts 'Roleplay' AI Chat Feature

Alpha Studio Group (ASG) has introduced the ASGmax Roleplay AI chat feature.

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

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

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

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.

Show More