I used regulated/deregulated loosely, not in an MCI math/Ma Bell kind of way. More the way laws are structured in appearance of stopping sex trafficking at the cost of models income streams. There's a generalized list of things we are not allowed to do on any platform and really specific things on specific sites.
One site allows broadcasting from public spaces while others don't allow it at all or require permission in writing from the site.
The age verification of viewers in six states just to access porn sites is a problem as well. Chaturbate has to pay the state of Texas $675,000 for not properly age restricting the site in that state the way the newest law demands. Virginia, North Carolina, Utah, Louisiana and one more state I can never remember all have this in place. There are work arounds, of course. VPNs being the first resource.
I just can't see how you can get all of the gears to turn without grinding another in the process. Too many moving parts.
The laws regarding sex work are becoming more restrictive instead of embracing the industry as legitimate work.
Many models fear banking with banks because they know people or had their own accounts closed for suspicious activity due to large deposits and triggering the bank to investigate.
Would I love to see you pull it off, yes. In my opinion I would rather see your company go to bat for the industry by lobbying Congress for a safer environment that doesn't restrict what grown adults can do in sex work because some unattended child will stumble on it and think that's how sex is in every situation. There's a lot of wringing of hands and won't somebody think of the children going on here with zero onus on the parent to stop their kid from finding that content to begin.
Or I guess do both. Build your empire and help us at the law level. Most of us are hamstrung and can't get our voices heard because our voices fly directly in the face of the Land of Gilead these people are trying to build where women are barefoot, pregnant and married to a man. Being an independent sex workers means we make those choices and there are a lot of very old, very white men who can't stand that. To the point they are willing to do anything to make it as difficult as possible.
Thanks for reading all of this and letting me expound on my frustrations, can't wait to read your response. We have different datasets, you and I, perhaps combining them unlocks the solution.
I appreciate you sharing all of this.
Website Rules
Some sites have chosen their own individual rules in addition to state and federal laws to help align with their conservative viewpoints and/or desire to provide a safety buffer, thereby avoiding frequent brushes with established laws. It is important for every creator to understand the rules each platform has and find one that aligns not only with legal standards but also with their own viewpoints. At Friends Online, we embrace a philosophy of "if it isn't illegal and it isn't harming anyone, then we encourage free speech and expression." We strive to respect others' actions and maintain professionalism. Different viewpoints should not automatically be prohibited or banned on our platform. Our goal is inclusion and acceptance, allowing the free market to determine which content and creators to support. Our role is to provide the technology that enables individuals to pursue what makes them happy, within our generous limits and the boundaries of the law, without imposing any bias.
Age Verification Bills: The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
We discuss this topic almost weekly because it significantly impacts both you and us as a company. We are committed to building a platform that is safe, secure, and maintains privacy while ensuring that content remains shareable. We are integrating with credible programs to help prevent and report child exploitation and other violations of our terms of service, as well as state and federal laws. The newly passed age verification laws, cloaked under the guise of child protection, do not genuinely offer any real protection or safety. In fact, anyone with a background in technology understands that these laws could reduce traffic and income to websites by 60-90% in the states that enact these unconstitutional laws. Unfortunately, more than half of the U.S. states are considering, have drafted, or have already approved similar bills. You can track this at the
Free Speech Coalition's Age Verification Bills Tracker. These poorly drafted laws, pushed by religious lobbyists, broadly attempt to control free speech by labeling diverse content as 'obscene.' This could even extend to discriminatory practices against LGBTQ creators or other marginalized groups under the guise of regulating 'explicit content.' This is a step in the wrong direction for our country, and we will fight it from every angle possible.
What Can We Do?
The best immediate action is to contact state senators to oppose these bills, although it might seem like a small gesture. Supporting organizations like the Free Speech Coalition and the ACLU in their fight against these laws is crucial. As we grow and gain more resources, we plan to contribute both our technical expertise and financial support to these organizations.
Banking Issues
We face similar threats and issues with banks as you do. While the NCUA strictly forbids accounts from being associated with adult work, the FDIC does not. However, almost all commercial banks have amended their "morality clauses" to exclude business with adult workers. We are constantly exploring the best options and pushing for changes to provide safer banking options for the industry, without the threat of account closures or seizures.
International Restrictions
While I can't speak for every country, in those where we have been active, there has been an observable decline in the perception of adult work, with an increase in attempts to tax and take revenue from the industry without offering equal rights. We are committed to working with and supporting entities that help us change the status quo and promote equal rights and fair treatment.
Summary (if you skipped to the end)
The more successful we become, the stronger our position will be to actively challenge these oppressive restrictions on behalf of the adult community. We are advocating for equal rights and fair treatment, striving for the same opportunities as anyone else without being persecuted or oppressed by state or federal governments or financial monopolies.
