Not too long ago a law was passed in the US that really messed up some alot of adult webmasters. The law, called 2257, basically says that if you display pictures of models on your website, then you have to have legal documentation showing that they are legal age and give consent to display the images on your website. At least, that's my understanding of it. Now I'm up in Canada, where US law doesn't apply to me From what I understand, I don't need to worry about this since I'm a canadian business, even though my hosting is done in the US. Does anybody know if this is true?
I know nothing of this law, but it sounds to me that you personally have nothing to worry about - but there's a possibility that your host may be liable in some way.
2257 really isn't a law per say, it's more like a regulation, a code of conduct required by law. You need to document all models used in media that shows them performing sexual(some say even implied) acts. Do you have an adult site? If not, I strongly believe you are not effected by USC TITLE 18, SECTION 2257, but if you still have concerns you need to seek advice from a law professional experienced in adult media regulations. hth, tom <===== NOT A LAWYER!!!!
I'm not sure actually. All I know is alot of webmasters down south are running for the hills right now lol. Yes. And I am meeting with my legal team next week about this. But they told me over the phone that it looks like there's no action that can be taken against canadians regardless of where the hosting is, but they're checking it to it just in case.
One article I read about this suggested that if you don't say on your site that you follow the code, you'll become more a 'red flag' for investigators... Just a thought-- better to comply AND say you comply instead of just complying, even... Of course, you could just say you comply and not really... -- Derek
You might consider joining the FSC as well. A bit more information can be found FREE SPEECH COALITION WEIGHS IN ON NEW 2257 REGULATIONS. The 2257 laws are going to get pretty tight. Can the US government seize your servers in the United States at some point? Yes, they can if they deem it necessary. I would make sure that you do try to comply with all the regulations no matter where you are.
As far as I know, the country that the server resides in dictate the laws or regulations that apply to the host/site. Thus, your host would be hassled by this, but not you necessarily.
Here is a discussion about 2257 and how DMOZ breaks the American law. You can also find the links to 2257. http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=20316&page=12