U.S. House Introduces 'Rogue Websites' Bill

WASHINGTON — U.S. House lawmakers introduced a bill this week that would crack down on rogue websites that sell pirated content.

The legislation would let the U.S. Attorney General seek court orders to block foreign websites that steal and sell U.S. products.

The measure was introduced by Rep. Lamar Smith, a Texas Republican.

“Rogue websites that steal and sell American innovations have operated with impunity,” Smith said. “The online thieves who run these foreign websites are out of the reach of U.S. law enforcement agencies and profit from selling pirated goods without any legal consequences.”

Similar legislation was introduced and approved in May by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

That legislation, backed by Sen. Patrick Leahy, would require  third parties, including "interactive computer services" and "servers of sponsored links," to block access to or stop doing business with websites suspected of piracy. They would also be required to stop linking to websites suspected of infringement.

This portion of the act would impact online companies because it would affect potentially any service or web page where a URL of a suspected infringer might turn up.

Opponents of the measure say it threatens to disrupt Internet traffic, harm legitimate websites and free speech.

“This bill, like the companion Protect IP Act pending in the Senate, will impose undue burdens upon online service providers to monitor and police user activity, and ultimately stifle free speech on the Internet,” adult industry attorney Larry Walters told XBIZ.

“While it may be appropriate to consider new approaches to protecting intellectual property in the digital age, shutting down websites based on mere allegations is inconsistent with fundamental constitutional values such as due process and freedom of expression.”

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

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