Are there any laws governing online pornography?
Yes, there are laws governing online pornography in Washington. Under Washington state law, it is illegal to produce, promote, or possess any visual or printed material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Any activity that meets this definition is considered “child pornography” and is a felony offense punishable by up to ten years in state prison. This includes any material depicting minors engaged in sexual intercourse, simulated sexual conduct, or lewd exhibition of the genitals. It is also illegal to possess obscene material in Washington that is intended for commercial distribution. This includes material involving minors or adults that meets the following criteria: (1) is patently offensive; (2) appeals to the prurient interest; (3) is without any serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value; and (4) is distributed with the intent to solicit business. Finally, sending or distributing any material of a prurient nature over the Internet is illegal in Washington. This includes any material that displays or describes nudity, sexual conduct, or lewd exhibition of the genitals. It is also illegal to use the Internet to facilitate the sale of obscene material. Therefore, there are many laws in Washington that govern online pornography. It is important to remember that many of these laws are aggressively enforced, and violations can result in severe criminal penalties.
Related FAQs
What are the laws governing online payments?Are there any laws pertaining to online healthcare?
Are there any laws related to online voting?
Are there any laws relating to the use of cookies?
Are there any laws related to online data mining?
Are there any laws regarding defamation on the Internet?
What are the laws regarding the distribution of copyrighted material online?
Are online contracts legally binding?
Are there any laws related to online advertising and marketing?
What are the laws regarding identity theft on the Internet?
Related Blog Posts
Defining Internet Law: What It Is and What It Means For Business Owners - July 31, 2023An Overview of Online Copyright Law and Implications for Businesses - August 7, 2023
Avoiding Domain Name Disputes: Tips for Securing Your Brand's Online Presence - August 14, 2023
Understanding Online Data Privacy Laws: What Businesses Need to Know - August 21, 2023
Proactive Strategies for Minimizing Online Liability For Businesses - August 28, 2023