FTC, State of Nevada File Charges Against MyEx.com Operators

FTC, State of Nevada File Charges Against MyEx.com Operators

CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Nevada today charged the operators of MyEx.com, a so-called revenge porn site, with violating federal and state law by posting intimate images of people, together with their personal information, without their consent.

MyEx.com, which at post time continued to operate, relied on mostly adult-oriented advertising for revenue.

The complaint named EMP Media Inc., Aniello “Neil” Infante, Shad “John” Applegate, also known as Shad Cottelli, and one or more unknown parties doing business as Yeicox Ltd.  

EMP Media, in addition to MyEx.com, also operates T&A Media and Internet Secrets.

The FTC alleged that the defendants’ practices constitute unfair acts or deceptive practices in violation of the FTC Act. In addition, Nevada alleged that the defendants’ conduct constitutes a deceptive trade practice under Nevada law.

According to the complaint filed in federal court, operators of MyEx.com solicited for intimate pictures and videos of victims, together with their personal information such as their name, address, employer and social media account information.

“The site urged visitors to ‘Add Your Ex,’ and to ‘Submit Pics and Stories of Your Ex,’” FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen said in a statement released today. “In numerous instances, the defendants allegedly charged victims fees from $499 to $2,800 to remove their images and information from the site.

“MyEx.com uses reprehensible tactics to profit off of the intimate details of individuals’ private lives,” Ohlhausen said. “People who were featured on this site suffered real harm, including the loss of money they paid to remove intimate images and personal information, loss of jobs, and being subject to threats and harassment.”

According to the complaint, visitors to MyEx.com can rate the videos and pictures they see and post comments about the victims.

The FTC alleged that the defendants were aware that many of the individuals did not agree to having their intimate images and personal information posted to MyEx.com. As of December, there were approximately 12,620 entries on the site, according to the complaint.

One of the defendants, Infante, has agreed to a permanent ban on posting intimate images without consent. Infante served in various corporate roles, including president of EMP Media.

Under the settlement, Infante is banned from posting intimate images and personal information of others on a website without notice and consent, required to destroy all such intimate images and personal information in his possession and banned from charging individuals fees for removing such content from a website.

Infante also agreed to a $205,000 judgment, which the order will suspend upon payment of $15,000 in light of his inability to pay more. The payment received will be used to provide redress to individuals who paid him take-down fees.

 

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 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

Braindance Unveils '6DOF' VR Tech

Interactive virtual reality platform Braindance has debuted its new Six Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) VR technology.

Kiiroo, Pineapple Support Launch 'Empower Hour' Series on FeelHubX YouTube Channel

Kiiroo and Pineapple Support have teamed up to launch the “Empower Hour” series on the FeelHubX YouTube channel.

Kansas Law Firm Deploys Religion, Bunk Science While Recruiting Plaintiffs Under AV Law

Kansas-based personal injury law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley is promoting debunked scientific theories and leveraging religious affiliation against the industry while it seeks potential plaintiffs for lawsuits against adult companies under the state’s age verification law.

UK Tech Secretary Lists Age Verification Among OSA Priorities

Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Wednesday made public a draft version of his priorities for implementing the Online Safety Act (OSA), including age verification.

AEBN Publishes Popular Seraches by Country for September, October

AEBN has released its list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Avery Jane Featured on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Avery Jane is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

FSC: Kansas Law Firm Threatens Adult Site Over Age Verification

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has been notified that Kansas law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley has sent a letter threatening an adult website with a lawsuit for breaking the state's age verification law.

10th Circuit Rejects Final FSC Appeal in Utah AV Case

The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit on Monday rejected a motion by Free Speech Coalition (FSC) requesting that the full court rehear its appeal in Free Speech Coalition v. Anderson, the industry trade association’s challenge to Utah’s age verification law.

Trump Nominates Project 2025 Contributor, Section 230 Foe to Chair FCC

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated, as his pick to head the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr — an author of Project 2025 who has called for gutting Section 230 protections.

Streamate's Elevate Partners With Miss Mei on Decriminalization Initiative

Streamate’s Elevate initiative is debuting a November collaboration with creator and community advocate Miss Mei that will highlight the modern criminalization of sex work.

Show More