New York Lawmakers Target Online Violence

NEW YORK — New York lawmakers are now targeting what they erroneously refer to as online "violence porn" — which is material that graphically depicts criminal assaults, such as the popular high-school "cat fight" videos seen on YouTube.

The sensationalized misuse of the word "porn" in this context is an obvious attention-getting scam designed to polarize public opinion on material that typically lacks any sexual component whatsoever.

Lawmakers believe that the sharing of these videotaped crimes assaults victims a second time and promotes this reprehensible cultural phenomenon.

"They make me sick," said Sen. John Flanagan. "We should never, ever, ever glorify this type of behavior."

The bill would make "unlawful violent recording" — or encouraging others to engage in these crimes — a felony; with penalties of up to four years in prison.

Noted free speech attorney Lawrence Walters believes that despite the New York initiative and several similar efforts nationwide, such a law would face an uphill battle when subjected to court review.

"Any time that you attempt to criminalize media based on its content, that is antithetical to the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech," Walters said. "The only media that the courts have agreed to criminalize, or authorize to be prohibited, are obscenity and child pornography. Everything else is presumed to be protected by the Constitution."

Although Sen. Joseph Robach acknowledged that showing a video might be a free speech right, the abuse being depicted is a crime that is not covered under the First Amendment.

"What created it — being violent — is not the First Amendment right," Robach said.

Civil remedies for these grievances already exist, however.

"We've dealt with some of the fallout from the bum fights-type media, where later on somebody who was involved in the filming comes back and says somebody was paid to assault me," Walters said. "That would be a civil claim for damages. That's permitted in our society if somebody feels they were taken advantage of."

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

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Pure Taboo Debuts Bree Mills Thriller 'Let Me In Too'

Reagan Foxx stars with Shay Sights in the latest thriller from Pure Taboo, titled “Let Me In Too.”

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

Show More