2257 regulations "seem to imply" that the record-keeping requirement is restricted to commercial operations.

1) Is this true?
2) If so, would tribe.net NOT fall under 2257 because this is not a "pay for membership and access" site?

slavegirl debbie
posted by:
slavegirl debbie
Los Angeles
  • Re: 2257 Commercial (pay sites) vs free sites

    Fri, December 9, 2005 - 3:23 PM
    They are still a commercial operation because they are private for-profit entity that makes money off of advertising.
    • Re: 2257 Commercial (pay sites) vs free sites

      Fri, December 9, 2005 - 6:14 PM
      And yes, this makes Yahoo and Google the biggest distributors of pornography on the internet.

      Due to the current nature of 2257, Alberto Gonzales (the current district attorney) does not recognize a secondary producer. This means the webmaster is responsible for proving all the naked people in the dirty photographs are over 18.

      Oh, to add insult to injury, they included sadomasochistic acts. Which means if I'm being photographed getting a spanking, that the photographer needs ID and a model release before distributing the photos.

      By the way, there was discussion on another board that the Free Speech Coalition was somehow duping the community. The FSC currently has the sitiuation in check. The court case against 2257 is currently on hold, partially due to the facts that significant arguments have been made to impose an injunction against the Federal District Attorney. If it wasn't for the FSC, the inspections would already be under way.

      Sincerely,

      Jay Moyes
      • Unsu...
         

        Re: 2257 Commercial (pay sites) vs free sites

        Sat, December 10, 2005 - 11:52 AM
        " And yes, this makes Yahoo and Google the biggest distributors of pornography on the internet. "

        Google and Yahoo as search engines are only funnels for content, and are not the direct publishers of content. Chubby vs. Compuserve.

        "in commerce" does not necessarly mean you are a business per say, it is a very broad legal term under the constitution, which includes the use of items IN commerce, say the internet, the phone, ..... Thereby granting the U.S. Congress jurisdiction to regulate.

        Further, being the internet does cross not only international lines but State lines, this again confers authority to the U.S. Congress to regulate by way of statute.

        Now, if a statute is "constitutional" or not, is another story-that is determined by the courts. However, on the face, laws passed are deemed constitutional until a court decides otherwise.

        2257 requires no adult content involving minors
        2257 requires notice and record keeping requirments if a person IN COMMERCE is to post publically adult content.

        If someone wants to liberally read and only read the 1st Amendment, ALL expression, adult or not, is under the same. However, when interpeting the constitution you must take into consideration all of the constitution. (I believe this was said in the infamous Bushbar case in regards to the 16th amendment).

        When you do that, the 1st Amendment is not an absolute "right".

        Further, there is a misconception that "commerce" is only if you are in business or a business, but it is also the use of commerce or the items we use everyday.......thus very broad and encompassing.

        Tribe, can I am sure, make it so, that they are in compliance with 2257, and those who want to post adult content also be in compliance (at least have a compliance statement in regards thereto). However, with that comlipance statement you best be actually IN compliance as 2257 indicates, have the proper documentation as to the various models, etc. who are otherwise depicted in the content (pictures, etc.).

        One of the challenges some sites and people will have, and would force them to close, is not being able to obtain 2257 information of models or other persons who are depicted in their various works that are _publically_ accessable or otherwise available. If no information (identification) is obtainable, then no compliance can be made, and thus be in violation of 2257.

        You will note, that most if not all the pay sites which do have some graphic adult content also are in compliance with 2257. To my understanding, they are not being shut down by the feds.

        Did anyone think for a second, that the feds, are just targeting groups that would scream the most, and thereby making them an example because they do not want to comply with the record keeping requirements or have an age verification system in place? As such bringing others into compliance with 2257? Or in short making it an issue.

        It will be interesting how the court will rule on 2257 since 2257 really does not seek to ban anything but child "porn", and to only regulate, and not necessarily ban, if you _publically display or have publically accessable adult content.

        2257 partially reads, "Section 2257. Record keeping requirements

        (a) Whoever produces any book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, or other matter which -
        (1) contains one or more visual depictions made after November 1, 1990 of actual sexually explicit conduct; and
        (2) is produced in whole or in part with materials which have been mailed or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce, or is shipped or transported or is intended for shipment or transportation in interstate or foreign commerce; shall create and maintain individually identifiable records pertaining to every performer portrayed in such a visual depiction.
        (b) Any person to whom subsection (a) applies shall, with respect to every performer portrayed in a visual depiction of actual sexually explicit conduct -"


        NOT necessarily "commercial", but IN COMMERCE.....as per the commerce clause in the constitution....as per crossing state lines...(interstate...)...as per case law time and again saying what commerce is...

        ... a tad more understanding of the law is needed actually before people get all uptidy about it...

        I posted the entire text from, www.findlaw.com 18 U.S.C . 2257 below my sig line.

        Rapture

        Section 2257. Record keeping requirements

        (a) Whoever produces any book, magazine, periodical, film,
        videotape, or other matter which -
        (1) contains one or more visual depictions made after November
        1, 1990 of actual sexually explicit conduct; and
        (2) is produced in whole or in part with materials which have
        been mailed or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce, or is
        shipped or transported or is intended for shipment or
        transportation in interstate or foreign commerce;
        shall create and maintain individually identifiable records
        pertaining to every performer portrayed in such a visual depiction.
        (b) Any person to whom subsection (a) applies shall, with respect
        to every performer portrayed in a visual depiction of actual
        sexually explicit conduct -
        (1) ascertain, by examination of an identification document
        containing such information, the performer's name and date of
        birth, and require the performer to provide such other indicia of
        his or her identity as may be prescribed by regulations;
        (2) ascertain any name, other than the performer's present and
        correct name, ever used by the performer including maiden name,
        alias, nickname, stage, or professional name; and
        (3) record in the records required by subsection (a) the
        information required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection
        and such other identifying information as may be prescribed by
        regulation.
        (c) Any person to whom subsection (a) applies shall maintain the
        records required by this section at his business premises, or at
        such other place as the Attorney General may by regulation
        prescribe and shall make such records available to the Attorney
        General for inspection at all reasonable times.
        (d)(1) No information or evidence obtained from records required
        to be created or maintained by this section shall, except as
        provided in this section, directly or indirectly, be used as
        evidence against any person with respect to any violation of law.
        (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not preclude the use
        of such information or evidence in a prosecution or other action
        for a violation of this section or for a violation of any
        applicable provision of law with respect to the furnishing of false
        information.
        (e)(1) Any person to whom subsection (a) applies shall cause to
        be affixed to every copy of any matter described in paragraph (1)
        of subsection (a) of this section, in such manner and in such form
        as the Attorney General shall by regulations prescribe, a statement
        describing where the records required by this section with respect
        to all performers depicted in that copy of the matter may be
        located.
        (2) If the person to whom subsection (a) of this section applies
        is an organization the statement required by this subsection shall
        include the name, title, and business address of the individual
        employed by such organization responsible for maintaining the
        records required by this section.
        (f) It shall be unlawful -
        (1) for any person to whom subsection (a) applies to fail to
        create or maintain the records as required by subsections (a) and
        (c) or by any regulation promulgated under this section;
        (2) for any person to whom subsection (a) applies knowingly to
        make any false entry in or knowingly to fail to make an
        appropriate entry in, any record required by subsection (b) of
        this section or any regulation promulgated under this section;
        (3) for any person to whom subsection (a) applies knowingly to
        fail to comply with the provisions of subsection (e) or any
        regulation promulgated pursuant to that subsection; and
        (4) for any person knowingly to sell or otherwise transfer, or
        offer for sale or transfer, any book, magazine, periodical, film,
        video, or other matter, produce in whole or in part with
        materials which have been mailed or shipped in interstate or
        foreign commerce or which is intended for shipment in interstate
        or foreign commerce, which -
        (A) contains one or more visual depictions made after the
        effective date of this subsection of actual sexually explicit
        conduct; and
        (B) is produced in whole or in part with materials which have
        been mailed or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce, or is
        shipped or transported or is intended for shipment or
        transportation in interstate or foreign commerce;
        which does not have affixed thereto, in a manner prescribed as
        set forth in subsection (e)(1), a statement describing where the
        records required by this section may be located, but such person
        shall have no duty to determine the accuracy of the contents of
        the statement or the records required to be kept.
        (g) The Attorney General shall issue appropriate regulations to
        carry out this section.
        (h) As used in this section -
        (1) the term ''actual sexually explicit conduct'' means actual
        but not simulated conduct as defined in subparagraphs (A) through
        (D) of paragraph (2) of section 2256 of this title;
        (2) ''identification document'' has the meaning given that term
        in section 1028(d) of this title;
        (3) the term ''produces'' means to produce, manufacture, or
        publish any book, magazine, periodical, film, video tape or other
        similar matter and includes the duplication, reproduction, or
        reissuing of any such matter, but does not include mere
        distribution or any other activity which does not involve hiring,
        contracting for managing, or otherwise arranging for the
        participation of the performers depicted; and
        (4) the term ''performer'' includes any person portrayed in a
        visual depiction engaging in, or assisting another person to
        engage in, actual sexually explicit conduct.
        (i) Whoever violates this section shall be imprisoned for not
        more than 2 years, and fined in accordance with the provisions of
        this title, or both. Whoever violates this section after having
        been convicted of a violation punishable under this section shall
        be imprisoned for any period of years not more than 5 years but not
        less than 2 years, and fined in accordance with the provisions of
        this title, or both.



        Previous [Notes]
        • Re: 2257 Commercial (pay sites) vs free sites

          Sat, December 10, 2005 - 12:27 PM
          Rapture wrote:

          "It will be interesting how the court will rule on 2257 since 2257 really does not seek to ban anything but child "porn", and to only regulate, and not necessarily ban, if you _publically display or have publically accessable adult content."

          I attended the adult Internet and the film conventions in Vegas last Jan and everyone in the industry was already freaked out about this coming down the pipeline. This January should be even more interesting!

          It was pretty clear from every attorney in attendance there that the "child porn" argument is used by the government as a cover to basically be able to ID everyone and track them as well as censor content.

          The attorneys said the government is using the "child porn" argument because it's publicly popular.

          Some of the attorneys noted that when the actually "followed the money" (and cases, prosecutions) the majority were actually geared towards adult content and censorship issues NOT child porn...it's always interesting when someone is "saying" one thing but appears to be "doing" quite another.
          • Unsu...
             

            Re: 2257 Commercial (pay sites) vs free sites

            Sat, December 10, 2005 - 2:56 PM
            "It was pretty clear from every attorney in attendance there that the "child porn" argument is used by the government as a cover to basically be able to ID everyone and track them as well as censor content."

            The U.S. Government has always wanted paperwork, and has been this way for ages, what else is new? This is especially true of any industry who has failed to police itself.

            "The attorneys said the government is using the "child porn" argument because it's publicly popular."

            I believe I mentioned this.

            "Some of the attorneys noted that when the actually "followed the money" (and cases, prosecutions) the majority were actually geared towards adult content and censorship issues NOT child porn...it's always interesting when someone is "saying" one thing but appears to be "doing" quite another."

            I wouldnt doubt it, but that is why you have court's and other checks and balances. However, if you make yourself a target.....and raise the flag, someone will take notice eventually.

            You are further correct in stating that some people will not want to be "ID'ed".. but if they have their picture slapped across the internet in various fashions IDing someone really is not that hard to do. Further, not wanting to be ID'ed sure "privacy" but what is their other motivation in not wanting to be id'ed? . . . taxes?


            Rapture

            P.S.

            I dont like the IRS either so...
            • Re: 2257 Commercial (pay sites) vs free sites

              Sat, December 10, 2005 - 4:23 PM
              --"The U.S. Government has always wanted paperwork, and has been this way for ages, what else is new? This is especially true of any industry who has failed to police itself."

              Not sure how that explains the whole financial industry or most politicians in this country which have also failed to "police" themselves. I guess if you have a lot of money and power the rules are different for ya.

              --"I wouldnt doubt it, but that is why you have court's and other checks and balances."

              Ha ha ha. :) Yeah love that Supreme Court these days, don't you? :)

              --"However, if you make yourself a target.....and raise the flag, someone will take notice eventually."

              Usually not unless you have money or assets that they want and can find and get at. It takes money to bother people.

              --"You are further correct in stating that some people will not want to be "ID'ed".. but if they have their picture slapped across the internet in various fashions IDing someone really is not that hard to do."

              Depends on if it is their picture, if it has been modified or not, and if someone wants to go through the time and trouble as well. You're also assuming that the said person is also in the whole ID system correctly as well...otherwise you just end up at bogus info.

              --"Further, not wanting to be ID'ed sure "privacy" but what is their other motivation in not wanting to be id'ed? . . . taxes?"

              There are lots of motivations...people always seem to think it's about taxes but everyone that I know pays them...to many people it's more about not being willing to put yourself in a position to be at the whim of politicians or governments. It's about privacy and individual choice and can also be about protecting yourself from physical, mental or emotional harm.

              Lots of reasons...but ultimately it comes down to if you want to make your own decisions for yourself or have a government of people that you don't know, that has it's own interests at heart, and that is ever changing with the winds make those decisions for you?
              • Unsu...
                 

                Re: 2257 Commercial (pay sites) vs free sites

                Sat, December 10, 2005 - 4:48 PM

                "Not sure how that explains the whole financial industry or most politicians in this country which have also failed to "police" themselves. I guess if you have a lot of money and power the rules are different for ya."

                We are not speaking about the politcians's and their conduct. I agree, some of them should be out as well, but most of them dems and reps etc. are as dirty.

                "Ha ha ha. :) Yeah love that Supreme Court these days, don't you? :)"

                Most of the Justices (even the some of the "conserative" one's), struck down the first CDA and a part of the second CDA. ....


                "--"However, if you make yourself a target.....and raise the flag, someone will take notice eventually."
                Usually not unless you have money or assets that they want and can find and get at. It takes money to bother people."

                One of my many points. If Tribe takes action now, they possibly prevent the feds coming after them, even if there is a stay on enforcement.

                --"You are further correct in stating that some people will not want to be "ID'ed".. but if they have their picture slapped across the internet in various fashions IDing someone really is not that hard to do."

                Depends on if it is their picture, if it has been modified or not, and if someone wants to go through the time and trouble as well. You're also assuming that the said person is also in the whole ID system correctly as well...otherwise you just end up at bogus info."

                I do not recall 2257 requiring authinication, just a reasonable collection of an ID. Not so much differing from a notary requiring an ID to notarize a document.


                "--"Further, not wanting to be ID'ed sure "privacy" but what is their other motivation in not wanting to be id'ed? . . . taxes?"
                There are lots of motivations...people always seem to think it's about taxes but everyone that I know pays them...to many people it's more about not being willing to put yourself in a position to be at the whim of politicians or governments."

                If you want to publish, if you want to run a business even if it is a one person show, the government can regulate the conduct. You take San Francisco, they have a law for practically everything in regards to most businesses. They even have a tax for business to tax business property owned by the business. Consquently, (just not for the business property tax) most business have moved out of San Francisco and the tourist trade is the main revenue source to the city and county.

                "It's about privacy and individual choice and can also be about protecting yourself from physical, mental or emotional harm."

                It is not about privacy when you post a picture of "you" in various states of undress or doing this or that in an adult sexual manner. Further it is not about privacy when "you" want to make a profit on said conduct.

                "Lots of reasons...but ultimately it comes down to if you want to make your own decisions for yourself or have a government of people that you don't know, that has it's own interests at heart, and that is ever changing with the winds make those decisions for you?"

                I never known the government to be entirely hands off. When you do things publically, or publish this or that so others can see you, you by the very nature open yourself up to critisisms. Your expression, is as 'important' as the critisisms you receive. 2257 does not require you not to publish, 2257 requires you to keep records and be able to prove that your content is 1) of a consenting nature, and 2) that the person or persons involved are at least not a minor.

                What is at issue is not necessarily the law itself but to my understanding the interpetation of the law.

                The law is not new, and a democratic congress to my understanding passed it, and a republican president signed it into law.

                NOTE these two sections:

                "(d)(1) No information or evidence obtained from records required to be created or maintained by this section shall, except as provided in this section, directly or indirectly, be used as evidence against any person with respect to any violation of law.
                (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not preclude the use of such information or evidence in a prosecution or other action for a violation of this section or for a violation of any applicable provision of law with respect to the furnishing of false information."

                The actual law follows.

                Rapture

                Source: www.findlaw.com
                18 U.S.C. 2257

                Section 2257. Record keeping requirements

                (a) Whoever produces any book, magazine, periodical, film,
                videotape, or other matter which -
                (1) contains one or more visual depictions made after November
                1, 1990 of actual sexually explicit conduct; and
                (2) is produced in whole or in part with materials which have
                been mailed or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce, or is
                shipped or transported or is intended for shipment or
                transportation in interstate or foreign commerce;
                shall create and maintain individually identifiable records
                pertaining to every performer portrayed in such a visual depiction.
                (b) Any person to whom subsection (a) applies shall, with respect
                to every performer portrayed in a visual depiction of actual
                sexually explicit conduct -
                (1) ascertain, by examination of an identification document
                containing such information, the performer's name and date of
                birth, and require the performer to provide such other indicia of
                his or her identity as may be prescribed by regulations;
                (2) ascertain any name, other than the performer's present and
                correct name, ever used by the performer including maiden name,
                alias, nickname, stage, or professional name; and
                (3) record in the records required by subsection (a) the
                information required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection
                and such other identifying information as may be prescribed by
                regulation.
                (c) Any person to whom subsection (a) applies shall maintain the
                records required by this section at his business premises, or at
                such other place as the Attorney General may by regulation
                prescribe and shall make such records available to the Attorney
                General for inspection at all reasonable times.
                (d)(1) No information or evidence obtained from records required
                to be created or maintained by this section shall, except as
                provided in this section, directly or indirectly, be used as
                evidence against any person with respect to any violation of law.
                (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not preclude the use
                of such information or evidence in a prosecution or other action
                for a violation of this section or for a violation of any
                applicable provision of law with respect to the furnishing of false
                information.
                (e)(1) Any person to whom subsection (a) applies shall cause to
                be affixed to every copy of any matter described in paragraph (1)
                of subsection (a) of this section, in such manner and in such form
                as the Attorney General shall by regulations prescribe, a statement
                describing where the records required by this section with respect
                to all performers depicted in that copy of the matter may be
                located.
                (2) If the person to whom subsection (a) of this section applies
                is an organization the statement required by this subsection shall
                include the name, title, and business address of the individual
                employed by such organization responsible for maintaining the
                records required by this section.
                (f) It shall be unlawful -
                (1) for any person to whom subsection (a) applies to fail to
                create or maintain the records as required by subsections (a) and
                (c) or by any regulation promulgated under this section;
                (2) for any person to whom subsection (a) applies knowingly to
                make any false entry in or knowingly to fail to make an
                appropriate entry in, any record required by subsection (b) of
                this section or any regulation promulgated under this section;
                (3) for any person to whom subsection (a) applies knowingly to
                fail to comply with the provisions of subsection (e) or any
                regulation promulgated pursuant to that subsection; and
                (4) for any person knowingly to sell or otherwise transfer, or
                offer for sale or transfer, any book, magazine, periodical, film,
                video, or other matter, produce in whole or in part with
                materials which have been mailed or shipped in interstate or
                foreign commerce or which is intended for shipment in interstate
                or foreign commerce, which -
                (A) contains one or more visual depictions made after the
                effective date of this subsection of actual sexually explicit
                conduct; and
                (B) is produced in whole or in part with materials which have
                been mailed or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce, or is
                shipped or transported or is intended for shipment or
                transportation in interstate or foreign commerce;
                which does not have affixed thereto, in a manner prescribed as
                set forth in subsection (e)(1), a statement describing where the
                records required by this section may be located, but such person
                shall have no duty to determine the accuracy of the contents of
                the statement or the records required to be kept.
                (g) The Attorney General shall issue appropriate regulations to
                carry out this section.
                (h) As used in this section -
                (1) the term ''actual sexually explicit conduct'' means actual
                but not simulated conduct as defined in subparagraphs (A) through
                (D) of paragraph (2) of section 2256 of this title;
                (2) ''identification document'' has the meaning given that term
                in section 1028(d) of this title;
                (3) the term ''produces'' means to produce, manufacture, or
                publish any book, magazine, periodical, film, video tape or other
                similar matter and includes the duplication, reproduction, or
                reissuing of any such matter, but does not include mere
                distribution or any other activity which does not involve hiring,
                contracting for managing, or otherwise arranging for the
                participation of the performers depicted; and
                (4) the term ''performer'' includes any person portrayed in a
                visual depiction engaging in, or assisting another person to
                engage in, actual sexually explicit conduct.
                (i) Whoever violates this section shall be imprisoned for not
                more than 2 years, and fined in accordance with the provisions of
                this title, or both. Whoever violates this section after having
                been convicted of a violation punishable under this section shall
                be imprisoned for any period of years not more than 5 years but not
                less than 2 years, and fined in accordance with the provisions of
                this title, or both.

Recent topics in "! 2257: NO MORE DENIAL !"