Imagine this: you’ve spent months building your brand, creating beautiful content, and connecting with a community that values your art. Then, you see a headline flash across your feed: “Federal bill to ban porn.”
Your stomach drops. Is everything you’ve worked for about to be illegal? Are your topless photos, your art, and your livelihood in jeopardy?
The answer is no. You can relax. The internet isn’t ending, and your content isn’t illegal. But there’s a new bill making waves in Congress, and it’s something every creator needs to be aware of.
Here’s what’s really going on.
First: This Isn’t New News
A bill called the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act is making the rounds in Congress again. It’s not law, but it’s catching attention (and causing confusion) in the adult industry.
Introduced by Senator Mike Lee (Utah) and Representative Mary Miller (Illinois), this bill proposes to:
- Create a national definition of what counts as “obscene”
- Let the federal government prosecute content shared across state lines
- Target porn sites, even ones hosted outside the U.S.
IMPORTANT: This bill has just been introduced. It’s the same bill as last year, just recycled. And no, nothing has passed.
What It Means for Creators Like You
If you’re a:
- Nude model
- OnlyFans or LoyalFans creator
- Feature dancer with your own site
- Artist who shares topless photos
- Performer with links to adult content or spicy merch
…this bill could eventually change how you’re allowed to share your stuff online.
But for now…
✅ You’re good.
✅ You’re not breaking any laws.
✅ This is just your heads-up to tighten up how you show up online—so you don’t get caught off guard later.
If your content has artistic or expressive value (and let’s be real—it does), it’s usually not legally considered obscene.
How to Stay Safe & Keep Creating
Here’s how you can keep your content flowing and stay protected. Following these steps will help you stay compliant with existing laws like 18 U.S.C. § 2257 and prepare for any new laws that might be passed.
1. Ditch LinkTree and Get Your Own Website
Platforms like LinkTree, AllMyLinks, and others are convenient—but risky for adult creators. You don’t own the platform, and they can ban or shadowban adult content anytime. If that site gets flagged or subpoenaed, your whole setup can disappear.
Your own site is better because you control it. You can host links however you want and build a professional hub that works for you long-term. As a “publisher” or “producer” of sexually explicit content, a compliant website is your first line of defense against legal issues.
2. The Crucial Difference: Nudity vs. Explicit Content
When people talk about “nude content,” the term is often used vaguely. For a legal discussion, it’s essential to define the content in precise terms.
- Nude Content typically refers to content showing exposed breasts or a person’s exposed bum. This content is often considered “artistic nudity” or “erotic,” and it generally falls outside the scope of laws aimed at explicit material.
- Sexually Explicit Content is a much more specific legal term. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2257, this refers to actual or simulated sexual intercourse, masturbation, sadistic abuse, or a lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area. This means any content showing an exposed vagina or penis falls into a different legal category than simple nudity.
This distinction is why you can safely post artistic nude photos on your website but must ensure any content showing private parts is properly compliant. The § 2257 law is specifically for “sexually explicit content” and requires stringent record-keeping to prove that everyone in the content is an adult.
3. Keep the Public Stuff Clean-ish
You don’t have to hide your sexy content—but keep the homepage friendly to avoid problems.
Try:
- Blurred thumbnails or censored previews
- Locking explicit content behind a login, age gate, or members-only area
- Using soft, suggestive language like “exclusive content” or “VIP gallery” instead of anything explicit
This helps protect your site AND makes it easier to defend if laws ever tighten up.
4. Don’t Use Mainstream Payment Tools
PayPal, Stripe, Square, Venmo… all super risky for adult performers. They shut down accounts without warning and don’t allow adult content sales.
Instead, use adult-industry trusted payment processors built for what we do. CCBill is one of the best in the game because it works with adult websites, custom shops, OnlyFans, Fansly, and more. It is totally legal, totally industry-approved, and keeps your income flowing without stress.
5. Understand What Counts as Obscene (Legally)
Right now, courts use something called the Miller Test to decide what’s “obscene.” According to this test, content is only obscene if:
- It appeals to a prurient (shameful or morbid) interest in sex.
- It depicts sexual conduct in a patently offensive way.
- It lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
If your content has artistic or expressive value (and it does!), it’s usually not legally considered obscene.
Do You Need to Change Anything Right Now?
Nope. This bill is just starting to move through Congress, and nothing has changed yet. But if you:
- Own your site
- Keep explicit stuff behind a wall
- Use compliant payment tools
… you’re already ahead of the game. And we’re here if you ever need help.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
The online world can feel like a minefield, but it doesn’t have to be. Your journey as a creator is about empowerment, creativity, and finding your voice. You shouldn’t have to worry about complex legal definitions or confusing bills.
That’s why we’re here. We believe in your right to create and get paid without fear. We build compliant, adult-safe websites and systems that protect your content and your livelihood, so you can focus on what you do best.
Resources to Keep You Safe
- Read more about the bill: Stay informed and track its progress in Congress.
- Understand the Miller Test: Get a deeper look at the legal definition of obscenity.
- Get Your Own Website: Learn how to build a compliant hub you control.
- Find adult-friendly payment tools: Secure your income with payment processors trusted by the industry.
