Congress Blocks Tax on Internet Connections

WASHINGTON — Congress on Friday blocked state and local governments from taxing consumer Internet connections — both traditional dial-up services high-speed broadband lines — for the next three years.

The bill, which will now be sent to President Bush for his signature, also blocks multiple state and local taxes from being imposed on merchandise and services purchased over the Internet, including online adult content.

States that had started taxing Internet access before the first ban, enacted in 1998, can continue collecting those fees. States that tax fast DSL lines must start phasing out the levies. The tax moratorium ends in November 2007.

The decision to block an Internet tax comes a day after researchers testified to a Congress subcommittee on “porn addiction.”

Online adult material is hooking adults into an addiction compared to heroin or crack that threatens their jobs and families, a panel of anti-porn advocates told the hearing organized by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., a Christian conservative.

Mary Anne Layden, a researcher from the University of Pennsylvania, told of one patient, a business executive, who arrived at his office at 9 a.m. each day, logged onto online adult sites, and didn't log off until 5 p.m.

She called on Congress to provide funds for billboards and bus ads warning people to avoid porn, strip clubs and prostitutes.

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