2021 TEAs Nominees Announced

2021 TEAs Nominees Announced

LOS ANGELES — Nominees for the 2021 Transgender Erotica Awards (TEAs) have been announced. Next spring’s ceremony will be a virtual affair for the second consecutive year with a livestream set for Sunday, March 7.

The TEAs were the first industry awards show to pivot to an online presentation earlier this year.

“The pandemic cut into our TEAs eligibility period for our 2021 show, but from our pre-nominations process we saw there were still a number of award-contending scenes, from last year until now, to choose from,” TEAs Executive Producer Kristel Penn said. “We’re excited to get judging underway. We have a really fun show planned for next March, along with some big announcements to follow in the upcoming weeks.”

A list of nominees follows:

Best New Face

  • Adelaide Rose
  • Akaya Prime
  • Aubrey
  • Avril Vixxxen
  • Bambi Bliss
  • Bella Bates
  • Clara Belle
  • Cleo Wynter
  • Eden Rose
  • Emma Rose
  • Eva Maxim
  • Evie Envy
  • Izzy Wilde
  • Jade Venus
  • Jessi Sunshine
  • Gracie Jane
  • Lexi
  • Libbey Harper
  • Natalie Stone
  • Pixi Lust
  • Tori Easton
  • Valeria Atreides
  • Viola Costa
  • Zaza Zariaa

Best Solo Model (sponsored by Bad Dragon)

  • Angelina Please
  • Bubbles
  • Cassandra Lovelox
  • Crystal Thayer
  • Daisy Taylor
  • Emma Rose
  • Holly Strokes
  • Izzy Wilde
  • Janie Blade
  • Jasmine Lotus
  • Joss Amor
  • Kellie Shaw
  • Korra Del Rio
  • Lianna Lawson
  • Melanie Brooks
  • Natalee Skye
  • Nicole Knight
  • Nikki Jade Taylor
  • Salina Samone

Best Hardcore Performer (sponsored by Bob’s TGirls)

  • Alexa Scout
  • Angelina Please
  • Aubrey Kate
  • Bubbles
  • Casey Kisses
  • Chelsea Marie
  • Cherry Mavrik
  • Crystal Thayer
  • Daisy Taylor
  • Emma Rose
  • Erica Cherry
  • Foxxy
  • Izzy Wilde
  • Jasmine Lotus
  • Jenna Gargles
  • Khloe Kay
  • Lena Moon
  • Lianna Lawson
  • Lily Demure
  • Melanie Brooks
  • Natalie Mars
  • Natalie Stone
  • Peachez
  • Robin Banks
  • Roxxie Moth
  • Ryder Monroe
  • Salina Samone
  • Shiri Allwood

Best Internet Personality (sponsored by Rax Entertainment)

  • Aubrey Kate
  • Bella Marasalco
  • Claire Tenebrarum
  • Clara Belle
  • Crystal Thayer
  • Daisy Taylor
  • Domino Presley
  • Emma Rose
  • Izzy Wilde
  • Jamie Foxxx
  • Jojo Hunt
  • Kendall Penny
  • Lena Moon
  • Naomi Moan
  • Natassia Dreams
  • Nicole Knight
  • Nikola Orphan
  • Robin Banks
  • Ryder Monroe
  • Sophia Presley

Best Non-U.S. Performer (sponsored by Ladyboy Gold)

  • Avril Vixxxen
  • Bailey Paris
  • Bambi Harper
  • Bibi Red
  • Coco
  • Estelle Mounty
  • Evie Envy
  • Fernanda Gorgeous
  • Icy Diamond
  • Laska
  • Lizandra Reyes
  • Marissa Minx
  • Melissa Dawn
  • Mia Maffia
  • Mia Puig
  • Valentina Mary
  • Yulia Masakowa

Best Non-TS Male Performer

  • Adonis Couverture
  • Chris Epic
  • Christian XXX
  • Dante Colle
  • Dillon Diaz
  • Draven Navarro
  • H3II4SLOOtz
  • Lance Hart
  • Miquel Duque
  • Sean Michaels
  • Smash Thompson
  • Soldier Boi
  • Vinnie O’Neill

Best Non-TS Female Performer

  • Adriana Chechik
  • Alura Jenson
  • Arabelle Raphael
  • Charlotte Sartre
  • Dana DeArmond
  • Dee Williams
  • Ella Nova
  • Jenna Foxx
  • Joanna Angel
  • Kacie Castle
  • Kylie Le Beau
  • Lindsey Love
  • Lydia Black
  • Nadia White
  • Robin Coffins

Best DVD (sponsored by Gamelink)

  • Buddy Wood’s Hollywood Transsexuals – Grooby –  Buddy Wood
  • Grooby’s Poolboy Adventures – Grooby – Buddy Wood
  • Natalie: Angel Unveiled – TransAngels
  • Personal Series – Transglamour – Adam Christopher
  • Raw Vol. 1 – Transglamour – Adam Christopher
  • Some TS Like it Hot – TransSensual – Ricky Greenwood
  • Take a Ride on the Trans Train – Devil’s Film
  • Tgirls Porn Volume 19 – Grooby – Radius Dark
  • The Smut Peddlers – Kink – Sadie Lola
  • The TransAngels Motorcycle Club – TransAngels
  • Trans Babysitters 2 – Gender X – Jim Powers
  • Trans BDSM – Gender X – Jim Powers
  • Trans Brides  – Gender X – Jim Powers
  • TransFer Students – Gender X – Jim Powers
  • Transfixed Volume 6 – Adult Time – Bree Mills
  • Tranimals – Evil Angel – Lena Moon
  • Translust 3 – Evil Angel – Aiden Starr
  • Transsexual Fitness – Gender X – Jim Powers
  • TS Factor 12 – Evil Angel – Joey Silvera
  • TS Girls on Top Volume 4 – TransSensual – Ricky Greenwood
  • TS Hardcore All-Stars #2 – Grooby – Radius Dark
  • TS I’m a Big Girl Now – Gender X – Jim Powers
  • TS Taboo Vol. 4: Cheating Wives – TransSensual – Ricky Greenwood

Best Girl/Girl Scene (sponsored by TGirl Nights)

  • Casey Kisses and Maya Kendrick – The Subletter – Kink
  • Chelsea Marie and Izzy Wilde – Tgirls.porn – Grooby
  • Claire Tenebrarum and Roxxie Moth – Transglamour Raw Vol. 1
  • Daisy Taylor and Alisia Rae – Bitch Craft – Trans Angels
  • Ella Hollywood and Dresden – Greedy Latex Slut – Kink
  • Erica Cherry and Robin Banks –  Tgirls.porn – Grooby
  • Kellie Shaw and Nicole Knight – Tgirls.porn – Grooby
  • Khloe Kay and Helena Locke – Worship Khloe – Kink
  • Khloe Kay and Andylynn Payne – TS Factor 12 – Evil Angel
  • Korra Del Rio and Bunny Colby – The Audition – Kink
  • Korra Del Rio, Ella Hollywood and Jenna Creed – Take a Ride on the Trans Train – Devil’s Films
  • Lena Moon and Chanel Preston – TS Love Stories – TransSensual
  • Melanie Brooks and Diamond Caine –  Tgirls.porn – Grooby
  • Natalie Mars and Jenna Foxx  – TS Girls on Top 4 – TransSensual

Best Boy/Girl Scene (sponsored by Wicked Sensual Care)

  • Aubrey Kate and Wesley Woods – TS Taboo 4: Cheating Wives – TransSensual
  • Casey Kisses and Pierce Paris –  Trans Lust 2 – Evil Angel
  • Claire Tenebrarum and H3ll4SL00tz – Extasis – Kink
  • Crystal Thayer Gets a Cream Pie – GroobyGirls – Grooby
  • Daisy Taylor and Dante Colle – Grooby Girls – Grooby
  • Emma Rose and Chris Epic – Grooby’s Poolboy Adventures – Grooby
  • Emma Rose and Draven Navarro – Trans-fer Students – Gender X
  • Evie Envy’s First Ever Hardcore – Canada Tgirl – Grooby
  • Eva Maxim and Dante Colle – Transgressions BDSM – Gender X
  • Foxxy and Draven Navarro – TS Hot Wives – TransSensual
  • Jade Venus – The Whore Next Door – GroobyVR – Grooby
  • Jasmine Lotus Gets a Cream Pie – Tgirls.xxx – Grooby
  • Jenna Gargles, Ryder Monroe and Wolf Hudson – Take a Ride on the Trans Train – Devil’s Films
  • Jenna Gargles, Dana DeArmond and Dante Colle – Translust 3 – Evil Angel
  • Lena Moon 4 on 1 – Legal Porno
  • Lianna Lawson and Dominique Pacifico – Bad Little Bitch – Kink
  • Natalee Skye Fucked Hard – GroobyGirls – Grooby
  • Natalie Mars – Busted Tgirls – Legal Porno
  • Natalie Mars and Sebastian Keys – Laid Bare – Kink
  • Natalie Stone’s Hardcore Graduation – GroobyGirls – Grooby
  • Sarina Valentina, Ella Hollywood and H3ll4SL00tz – Tranimals – Evil Angel
  • Shiri Allwood and Sean Michaels – Transcendent – Evil Angel

Best Scene Producer

  • Adam Christopher
  • Aiden Starr
  • Buddy Wood
  • Damazo
  • Dave Khull
  • Fivestar
  • Jack Flash
  • Jim Powers
  • Joey Silvera
  • Kelly Quell and Xena Kitty
  • KilaKali
  • Omar Wax
  • Radius Dark
  • Ricky Greenwood
  • Sadie Lola
  • Sebastian Keys
  • Sex Tape Creator
  • ShinyboundSluts
  • Teodor Grekov
  • Vee Soho

Best Self-Producer (sponsored by TranzFanz)

  • Casey Kisses
  • Claire Tenebrarum
  • Crystal Thayer
  • Daisy Taylor
  • Emma Rose
  • Eclair Alyson
  • Jamie French
  • Jasmine Lotus
  • Kelly Quell
  • Kendall Penny
  • Kimber Haven
  • Kylie Maria
  • Natalie Mars
  • Roxxie Moth
  • Shiri Allwood
  • Vannialll

Best Trans Man Performer

  • Ari Koyote
  • Austin Spears
  • Billy Vega
  • Eddie Wood
  • Izzy Akino
  • Jordan Green
  • Leo Mercury
  • Logan Knight
  • Luke Hudson
  • Rory J.
  • Stevie Trixx
  • Trip Richards
  • Viktor Belmont
  • Xander James

Best Cam Performer

  • Andylynn Payne
  • Casey Kisses
  • Jessica Fappit
  • Natalee Skye
  • Nicole Knight
  • Nikki Jade Taylor
  • Rachel Nova
  • Roxxie Moth
  • Shiri Allwood
  • Sophie Kate

Best BBW Performer (sponsored by TGirlBBW)

  • Adriana Gonzalez
  • Clara Belle
  • Joceline
  • Kindred Skeleton
  • Madame Morgan
  • Naomi Moan
  • Nathalie Presley
  • Ryhan Rose
  • Sophia Presley

Ms. Unique (sponsored by GroobyGirls)

  • Aspen Brooks
  • Bella Vie
  • Brandi Bangz
  • Claire  Tenebrarum
  • Dahlia Crimson
  • Demii D Best
  • Eclair Alyson
  • Janie Blade
  • Jenna Gargles
  • Jessy Bells
  • Kimber Haven
  • Mya Nine
  • Nyxi Leon
  • Roxxie Moth
  • Sofia Sanders
  • Summer Rayne
  • Viola Costa

Recipients of the following categories will be announced at a later date:

  • Transcendence Award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Fan Choice Award
  • Gender X Model of the Year
  • Kink’s Kinkiest TGirl Domme
  • Black-TGirls.com Model of the Year
  • Chaturbate TS Performer of the Year
  • Pornhub Model of the Year

Additional TEAs details will be announced in the coming weeks. Direct sponsorship and media inquiries to kristel@grooby.com and follow the awards online and on Twitter.

Click here for XBIZ’s coverage of the virtual 2020 TEAs.

Related:  

Adira Allure Makes Directorial Debut With ‘Invading Uranus’ for Evil Angel

LOS ANGELES — Adira Allure makes her directorial debut with “Invading Uranus” from Evil Angel that explores “aggressively filthy” and “extreme, balls-to-the-wall sodomy.”

Emma Hix, Kenzie Reeves, Rebel Rhyder and Allure herself fill out the cast with Mick Blue, Isiah Maxwell, Ramon Nomar and Michael Stefano.

“From outrageous tease segments through kinky, salacious anal acts, the hot, young adult star’s warped sexuality colors her directing debut,” exclaimed a studio rep.

The filmmaker noted she would like her productions to be known for being “exquisitely beautiful while also being dirty and disgusting.”

“I knew things were gonna get messy, so I wanted to avoid shooting at my house. I ‘pressured’ my best friend and fellow Evil director, Aiden Riley, to let me do it as his place, since it’s been permanently destroyed by my squirt,” she recalled. “Once he agreed, I went down to the Venice [California] boardwalk and found a local artist spraying graffiti, and I brought him back to Aiden’s place to paint a set for me.”

Allure realized the painted set, once complete, was too good to use for simply one scene.

“I realized I had to create a whole movie out of it for the world to see and enjoy. With that goal in mind, I sucked and fucked even more dicks than normal for a few months and saved up to be able to produce this movie,” she quipped.

She cited “legends like Megan Rain and Adriana Chechik” as inspirations for her career. “I thought they were so perfect and pretty — and also nasty.”

“Invading Uranus” opens with Allure anchoring a threesome opposite Nomar and Stefano that includes toys, DP, double-vaginal and her own “vulgar vocabulary,” while Hix is paired with Blue in “a rowdy anal and ass-to-mouth spectacle.”

Elsewhere, Reeves “stuffs multiple glow sticks where the sun seldom shines” opposite Nomar, while Maxwell aggressively ruts with Rhyder.

“Invading Uranus” is available now; the first two scenes go live on EvilAngel.com tomorrow and Friday, with the final pair set for December 30-31. Visit Evil Angel on Twitter for the latest updates.

For domestic sales, contact Rick Porras at rick@evilangel.com; for international sales and licensing, email Alexandra Kelley at alex@evilangel.com.

Chloe Amour Stars in Sultry New VR Fantasy for SexLikeReal

Chloe Amour Stars in Sultry New VR Fantasy for SexLikeReal

LOS ANGELES — Chloe Amour stars in “Dusk Till Dawn,” a sultry new immersive VR fantasy for SexLikeReal.

The title was directed by Alex Nash alongside Evan Redstar as the director of photography. “With our state-of-the-art VR camera rig, we’re able to put the viewer in the shoes of our hero and bring this grindhouse sex fantasy to life in the most engrossing way imaginable,” Nash enthused.

“Every guy wants to be the leading man in a pulpy adventure where he encounters a breathtaking femme fatale and indulges in an unforgettable night of inexhaustibly hot sex with her,” continued Nash. “Chloe looks like she was ripped out of a scene from a Robert Rodriguez flick. She’s off-the-charts sexy, classy as hell and has the sensual prowess to really pull off the endless night of debauchery that this virtual experience promises to deliver.”

“Chloe pulls out all the stops in ‘Dusk till Dawn,'” he added. “From the moment she walks into frame rocking her red lingerie to the way she relishes riding our hero until the sun comes up, she’ll undoubtedly exceed every expectation her fans have.”  

Visit SexLikeReal.com for additional information.

Follow the studio and Chloe Amour on Twitter.

Related:  

MixedX Announces Christmas-Week Subscriber Discount, Lifetime Membership

LOS ANGELES — MixedX.com has launched a lifetime membership deal concurrently with a special Christmas-week rate for new subscribers that offers a 60% discount on the regular price.

The promotions will run through Monday, December 28.

The site’s early supporters now have the option of a lifetime one-time-payment of $250.

“Since launching earlier this year, we’ve received tremendous support from the industry and fans alike,” CEO Christina Shine said. “We wanted to give our most eager fans the opportunity to join us on this adventure for life with this special pricing during the holidays.”
 
Affiliates interested in promoting either of these offers should contact jesse@sinnercash.com for more information and special creatives; a 50% recurring revenue share is available for new affiliates.

Visit MixedX.com and follow the studio on Twitter for the latest updates.

Related:  

Sarah Vandella Celebrates 2020 XCritic Awards Nomination

LOS ANGELES — Sarah Vandella has earned a 2020 XCritic Awards nomination for “Best MILF.”

“The adult star was chosen by the popular website’s team of film reviewers, who selected her among a group of her talented peers,” enthused a rep. “In addition to her busy schedule working with the industry’s top studios, Sarah is a fan-favorite on her social pages as well, with nearly 300,000 loyal followers and more than 1,800 OnlyFans subscribers.”

Vandella expressed appreciation for the laurel.

“Thank you to the XCritic writers and reviewers that were responsible for this very appreciated nomination for ‘Best MILF,'” she said. “I am sitting in esteemed company alongside some very beautiful and talented ladies in this award category, so this is truly an honor.”

Click here for a list of 2020 XCritic Awards nominees.

In related news, Vandella recently collected a 2021 XBIZ Awards nomination for “MILF Performer of the Year.”

ATMLA represents Sarah Vandella; follow her on Twitter and OnlyFans.

Related:  

Natasha Nice Crowned December’s ‘MYLF of the Month’

Natasha Nice Crowned December's 'MYLF of the Month'

LOS ANGELES — Natasha Nice has been crowned MYLF.com’s December “MYLF of the Month” and will star in a holiday-themed spotlight scene to be released on Christmas Day.

The forthcoming fantasy finds Nice taking on the role of Mrs. Claus and “she is ready to find the naughtiest boy on her list for a special visit,” noted a rep. “After searching her list, she finds Quinton James, who made the ‘naughty’ list for his constant masturbation. Using her special Christmas magic, Natasha appears in Quinton’s holiday dream, to punish him in the most wonderful and sexual way.”

The star enthused about her career laurel.

“I feel so honored that MYLF named me their ‘MoM’ for December! I can’t wait for my fans to jerk-off on my rendition of Mrs Claus,” she exclaimed.

Visit MYLF.com for additional details and follow the studio on Twitter.

In related news, Nice earned the cover spotlight of “Big Titty Housewives 2” from Lethal Hardcore; visit LethalHardcore.com for box art, a trailer and additional information.

Nice is currently running a ManyVids promotion, extended through Christmas, that offers access to over 40 videos, as well as the option to purchase custom clips, Skype shows and lingerie, at a 25% discount.

ATMLA represents Natasha Nice; follow her on Twitter.

Related:  

Australia’s ‘Anti-Trolling’ Bill Proposal Seeks Punishment for ‘Offensive Content’

CANBERRA — Australia’s Coalition party — a right-leaning partnership between the conservative Liberal Party and the rural/agricultural party The Nationals — has unveiled a legislative proposal that would mandate online platforms remove so-called “objectionable content” within 24 hours, or risk being blocked and heavily fined.

According to a report by The Guardian, under the Coalition’s proposed bill, “if a website or app ignores takedown notices for content such as child sexual abuse material, the e-safety commissioner will require search engines and app stores to block access to those services.”

“Websites and social media platforms will face fines of up to $555,000 for ignoring a direction to remove the trolling material, while individuals will face fines up to $111,000. These are sanctions already in place for cyberbullying a child, but will be extended to apply to adults.”

The Coalition’s phrasing of the legislation as to what constitutes “objectionable content” opens the door for effective state censorship of a wide array of content.

According to The Guardian, the proposed legislation “classifies cyber-abuse material aimed at adults as material an ‘ordinary reasonable person would conclude’ is ‘menacing, harassing or offensive.’”

The ill-defined “ordinary reasonable person” and “offensive” are particularly problematic for the exercise of free speech in Australia under the proposed regulation.

Australia does not have a formal Free Speech guarantee, like the American First Amendment, in their constitution.

According to the report, “a rapid website-blocking power has been added to allow the commissioner to respond to online crisis events.”

“The internet has brought great social, educational and economic benefits,” said federal communications and cyber safety minister Paul Fletcher. “But just as a small proportion of human interactions go wrong offline, so, too, are there risks online. By establishing proper protections to help keep Australians safe online, we can in turn help Australians to realize the substantial benefits that come from using the internet.”

The legislation still needs to clear the multi-party Australian Parliamentary process. The Coalition often relies on the support of cross-bench minor parties — like the anti-immigrant One Nation Party and the Centre Alliance — and a small number of independents. The center-left Australian Labor Party, currently the opposition party, might also support the measure.

Social conservatives in Australia, including Fletcher and other members of the coalition routinely describe “violent pornography” — even if consensually produced — in the same context as sexual abuse and non-consensual videos.

Legal observers have noticed that the Coalition’s “online harms” proposal seems to include certain provisions that target consensually produced sex content.

“Buried in the contents of the proposed new Online Safety Bill is that the new takedown notice scheme includes social media removal of RC pornography (fetish material) and X18+ content!” tweeted Jarryd Bartle today.

Main Image: Australia’s Communications and Cyber Security Minister Paul Fletcher. (Photo: Paul Fletcher, MP)

Honey’s Place Now Offering Satisfyer’s Bluetooth-Enabled Toys

Honey's Place Now Offering Satisfyer's Bluetooth-Enabled Toys

SAN FERNANDO, Calif. — Honey’s Place has expanded its offerings with the addition of Satisfyer’s line of Bluetooth-enabled devices. 

“Satisfyer has done a great job with this line,” said Bonnie Feingold, owner of Honey’s Place. “Especially with everything going on right now, this is a wonderful answer to those consumers who can only connect with their partners from afar.”

“It brings a whole new dynamic to intimacy,” she added. 

According to a rep for the Honey’s Place sales team, “In talking to our customers, consumers want to heighten the experience of phone sex, and now they can. It’s not just innovative, it actually works.” 

Melody Cazarin, sales executive for Satisfyer, added, “We’re excited to deliver a new dimension of user experience by blending technology, sexual wellness and lifestyle. The best part is that we’ve added this incredible value at no extra cost to the consumer. Our price points remain the same and we have over 100 new products coming into this line.” 

Satisfyer Connect is compatible with Android and iOS devices and can be paired with all Satisfyer Bluetooth devices. The app can integrate with up to 12 devices and simultaneously operate up to four. In addition to a gallery of guided programs, users can create their own unique patterns and intensities.

The Satisfyer Connect app also features sound integration and gyroscope control with an Apple Watch.

“They have definitely thought of everything,” said Kyle Tutino, Honey’s Place director of purchasing. “I love that this line has so many options and so many variations; everyone can find what they are looking for with cutting-edge ingenuity.”

For more information, visit Honey’s Place online, call (800) 910-3246 or email sales@honeysplace.com.

Related:  

BDSM Site DomTheNation Sets Valentine’s Day Launch

NEW YORK — Two-Flame Media, the parent company of Assylum.com, has set a Valentine’s Day launch of February 14, 2021, for its new flagship membership site DomTheNation.com following a delay due to the coronavirus lockdowns.

“DomTheNation documents the adventures of a male dominant named Neil as he travels the country to engage in BDSM sessions with submissive and masochistic women in the great outdoors. Unlike traditional porn scenes, the sessions are spontaneous and shot in real time, using highly customized gear to avoid the intrusion of crew into the dynamics wherever possible,” a rep explained.

“The BDSM sessions encompass not only sex and sadomasochism but conversation, artistic creation, casual fun and sport and the enjoyment of nature. The lineup of participants for the site’s first year includes established adult BDSM models, amateur couples and professional artists who have agreed to submit on film. Much of the content is captured on anamorphic lenses to draw viewers into the landscape without the distortion of wide-angle spherical lenses.”

The rep noted the site “has been built from the ground-up with features that allow each viewer to navigate the content in whatever manner best suits their own journey.”

Members will have the option of choosing from various categories as sort through the catalog of photos, clips and longer videos.

“The site will also double as a travel and BDSM blog, capturing the honest experiences, reflections, failures, successes, learnings, regrets and dreams of its narrator,” said the rep. “All photos will be viewable and downloadable in high resolution and upgraded memberships will be available for customers who wish to download videos in 4K Cinemascope.”

Dr. Mercies, producer of DomTheNation, described the site as “my love letter to BDSM.”

Its mission, Mercies noted, is to “celebrate the full humanity of people who enjoy sexual domination and submission. We will show brutality and tenderness in the same breath. We will splatter our viewers’ minds with piss and poetry in the same moment. We will do and show everything under the sun and stars, as far away as we can get from the halls of culture that have for all human history divided us from ourselves, calling one part ‘profane’ and another part ‘sublime.'”

Find a preview video featuring Ashley Lane on DomTheNation.com and follow the site on Twitter for the latest updates.

The studio’s affiliate program is DerangedDollars.com. Direct inquiries, as well as queries from potential performers who wish to share, “their filth, beauty and passion with viewers,” per the rep, to office@domthenation.com.

Sweeping Online Copyright Enforcement Changes Added to COVID-19 Relief Package

WASHINGTON — Last night, as part of the $2 trillion COVID-19 relief bill sent to President Donald Trump for his signature today, Congress approved, in addition to the CASE Act, a controversial “felony streaming bill” written by Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) that makes sweeping changes to the way video copyright claims are handled by authorities.

Tillis’ new bill, attached to the unrelated and much-needed COVID-10 relief package, immediately raised alarm among content creators, particularly on the Twitch platform.

Today, Tillis’ office clarified that the bill, officially named “the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act” (PLSA) will “apply only to commercial, for-profit streaming piracy services.”

Tillis’ office said that “the law will not sweep in normal practices by online service providers, good faith business disputes, noncommercial activities or in any way impact individuals who access pirated streams or unwittingly stream unauthorized copies of copyrighted works. Individuals who might use pirate streaming services will not be affected.”

However, Tillis’ office added, “Congress approved a new bill Monday that would classify illegal streaming as a felony offense, but the feds won’t be going after your favorite Twitch streamers, YouTubers or their subscribers. They’re more interested in services dedicated to streaming pirated content.”

A Quasi-Judicial Copyright Court

The CASE Act passed in the COVID 19-relief package is a different matter. As tech news site The Verge reported, “copyright activists [can’t] rest easy.”

“The multitrillion-dollar package did include a copyright measure that civil liberties activists fear could have dramatic consequences,” the Verge reported. The CASE Act “would create a quasi-judicial copyright claims court within the Copyright Office. Copyright holders could be awarded up to $30,000 in damages if they find their creative work being shared online.”

The CASE Act, as XBIZ reported, has been staunchly criticized by digital rights advocates such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Purportedly benefiting small businesses and individual creators, the CASE Act could directly affect the relationship between studios, producers, clip-makers and tube sites in unexpected and unprecedented ways for current copyright enforcement practices in the adult industry.

The CASE Act, the EFF explained, “creates a new body in the Copyright Office which will receive copyright complaints, notify the person being sued and then decide if money is owed and how much. This new Copyright Claims Board will be able to fine people up to $30,000 per proceeding.”

According to the EFF, if an individual “gets one of these notices (maybe an email, maybe a letter — the law actually does not specify) and accidentally ignore it, you’re on the hook for the money with a very limited ability to appeal. $30,000 could bankrupt or otherwise ruin the lives of many Americans.”

Senator Tillis and the Wants of Big Entertainment Companies

According to the Verge and National Journal, Tillis has also been “circulating a draft proposal of a bill that would completely reform the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).”

The new bill “would include a ‘notice-and-staydown’ provision that could make copyright bots, like YouTube’s Content ID, stricter. National Journal noted that Tillis’ office would limit this provision to ‘complete or near-complete works’ and would focus on larger enterprises rather than small platforms or creators. Still, current copyright-striking tech has been hit-or-miss.”

Tillis’ aggressive reforms are in line with the wants of large stakeholders in mainstream entertainment who own franchises and lucrative creative IP.

Possible Adult Industry Repercussions

Adult industry attorney Lawrence Walters, of the Walters Law Group, told XBIZ that he thinks “burying these controversial bills into must-pass COVID relief legislation is dirty pool, but politics as usual.”

The CASE Act “was widely criticized when it was first introduced — now it will likely become law and change copyright enforcement procedures for creators and publishers,” Walters added.

According to the industry attorney, “the new criminal prohibitions on infringing website content will generate significant legal exposure for video sharing sites and potentially [their] hosts. It is doubtful that these bills were actually read by the lawmakers and [they apparently] received no reasoned debate in Congress. We will be living with the consequences of these bills for many years to come.”

Copyright management expert Jason Tucker — whose Battleship Stance consults with major adult industry clients on the subject — describe the “copyright pork” inserted into the COVID-19 bill as “a poorly written law that was rushed through and is, on its face, problematic.”

“The small claims portion was intended to help rights holders enforce their rights without the cost of litigating in federal court,” Tucker pointed out. “The shortfall is that both parties have to agree to participate. One can simply opt out. I also don’t like the idea of non-Article III judges making a ruling on copyright cases like Judge Judy. It will be interesting to see how that works if at all.”

Tucker said he doubts whether “some of what Congress passed is even enforceable. The felony for profiting off of streaming sounds like a gift to the entertainment business, but I am anticipating it initially creating a mess.”

“Here is the takeaway,” he told XBIZ. “In all instances, if you are profiting from work that you don’t own or have a license for, you can be held liable. If you lead from that thought process you can navigate the issues.”