PALO ALTO, Calif. – June 18, 2007
Sexual networking site AdultFriendFinder.com has offered a grant to the Free Speech Coalition that will match donations up to $10,000 made to the organization in aid of its fight against certain amendments to the 18 U.S.C. § 2257 record-keeping statute.
The amendments being challenged are those that, if made effective by the Department of Justice, would require so-called "secondary producers" to acquire and maintain records for every performer in every sexually explicit image used by that producer.
AFF marketing director Legendary Lars, in a press release about the new matching grant, called this provision a "draconian" one that "goes way beyond what is acceptable in a free society."
"The only organization actively fighting this provision is the Free Speech Coalition," Lars went on, "and we think they deserve support. Anyone concerned with first amendment rights and keeping the government out of our bedrooms should consider a contribution to help FSC in their 2257 battle."
FSC executive director Diane Duke noted that these addendums to the 2257 law would subject "secondary producers" to inspections by the FBI, as well. "Complying with the anticipated changes in the law would cost millions of dollars in additional staffing, filing and computer resources," Duke portended, "apart from the cost of defending prosecutions. We will challenge these changes to the law, but we need the industry's help."
For information on contributing, go to gfy.com or freespeechcoalition.com.
About FriendFinder
FriendFinder.com is a division of Palo Alto-based Various, Inc., and is the world's largest operator of dating and social networking websites. With a staff of more than 200, Various, Inc. manages more than 20 multicultural and multilingual personals sites, for which over 130 million members have registered, with over 140,000 new sign-ups daily. The FriendFinder network includes Passion.com and AdultFriendFinder for more intimate social networking. Privately-held Various, Inc. is distinguished by its marketing leadership, technological innovation and financial strength. It is the trend-setter in the online personals sector, using its core expertise to drive both its owned and operated sites and dozens of popular co-branded partner sites. For more information visit www.friendfinderinc.com.
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