WASHINGTON — The main sponsors of the controversial Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) bill urged her fellow lawmakers to fast track the controversial bill, after the Democratic administration’s surgeon general called on Congress to mandate “mental health warnings” on social media platforms.

As XBIZ reported, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) have been marketing KOSA as a bipartisan effort, selling it to their colleagues as a “protect the children” measure.

In February, Blackburn and Blumenthal released a new version of the bill, which they claim addressed privacy and censorship issues flagged by opponents, but critics insisted the revised version still presents insurmountable problems.

In a scathing 2022 editorial, Jason Kelley of leading digital rights organization Electronic Frontier Foundation argued that behind its kid-friendly name and supposed mission, KOSA hides “a plan to require surveillance and censorship of anyone 16 and under.”

The bill, Kelley noted, would actually “greatly endanger the rights, and safety, of young people online” while also chilling controversial speech — including sexual expression — across the internet.

On Monday, Blackburn praised surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy, after the Biden administration official published an opinion piece in The New York Times titled “Why I’m Calling for a Warning Label on Social Media Platforms.”

In the piece, Murthy proposed “a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents.”

A surgeon general’s warning label, he explained, would require congressional action and “would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proven safe.”

Evidence from tobacco studies, he added, “show that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior.”

“Thank you, @Surgeon_General,”  Blackburn posted on her X account, sandwiched between posts featuring Bible verses and scathing attacks against the Biden administration. “We must continue to bring attention to the harmful impact that social media has on our children. It is time to hold a vote and pass the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act.”

Blackburn and Blumenthal also sent a statement to Newsweek praising Murthy’s proposal.

“We are pleased that the Surgeon General — America’s top doctor — continues to bring attention to the harmful impact that social media has on our children,” they wrote. “The time to hold a vote and pass the filibuster-proof bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act is now.”

Last fall, Blackburn “caused alarm among some transgender advocates when she said ‘protecting minor children from the transgender in this culture’ should be a top priority for lawmakers in a video in which she also praised KOSA,” NBC News’ Kat Tenbarge reported in December.

Blackburn’s statements about how conservative DAs might apply KOSA in the future to chill free speech around sexual issues and LGBTQ+ education align with the activism track record of NCOSE, Parents Television and Media Council, Citizens for Decency and other religious and cultural conservative groups that co-signed a letter in support of the previous version of KOSA.

Industry attorney and free-speech specialist Lawrence Walters, of Walters Law Group, explained in February that KOSA “would give the government new powers to interfere with the First Amendment rights of online platforms generally, threatens anonymous speech and incentivizes adoption of age verification for all users.”

The bill would also “burden access to adult materials by adults and is constitutionally suspect,” he told XBIZ, and urged anyone who cares about online freedom to voice opposition to the bill.

“Congress has put substantial pressure on social media sites to accept government regulation, so it is no surprise that some large platforms are bowing to that pressure — just as they did when it came to FOSTA / SESTA,” Walters noted. “The time to speak out is now.”

Main Image: Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Republican Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Utherverse will officially launch its Functional Non-Fungible Tokens (fNFTs) with a virtual party within its metaverse on Thursday.

Utherverse users will be able to open their virtual trunks to reveal their fNFT items and find which NFT Key/Condo they have received.

At the live launch party, Gen 1 and Gen 2 Trunks will become unlocked for the first time since they were minted. Attendees will be able to open their fNFT trunks to reveal the contents – which contain an avatar wardrobe and metaverse real-estate of varying rarity. Each trunk, designed as male or female based on the clothing and accessories they contain, will reveal a key when opened. This key, an NFT, grants access to an apartment in the Central Residential Building in the main Plaza of the Utherverse metaverse. The keys will randomly determine one of four apartment types: Deluxe, Luxury, Sub-Penthouse, or Penthouse,

This “Big Reveal,” a company rep noted, “marks a significant milestone in Utherverse’s journey into the Web3 era. By integrating fNFTs, Utherverse transforms digital assets into unique, valuable pieces of the virtual economy, enabling users to buy, sell and trade with the assurance of authenticity and ownership. Coupled with VR technology, these assets are not just seen but experienced, creating a sense of presence and immersion that deepens the connection between users and their virtual possessions. This fusion of fNFTs and VR redefines the metaverse experience, offering users a fully immersive, blockchain-powered universe where digital interactions are secure, authentic, and user-driven.”

According to the company, the main difference between fNFTs and traditional NFTs is their functionality and utility.

“fNFTs have inherent functionality, allowing them to be used, combined, traded, and created within the Utherverse platform, representing dynamic and interactive digital assets,” the rep continued. “In contrast, traditional NFTs are typically static, representing ownership or proof of authenticity without inherent functionality. fNFTs enable users to customize avatars, decorate virtual spaces, participate in virtual commerce, and engage in various in-world activities.”

Users can sell and trade virtual goods, NFTs, and fNFTs in the marketplace, monetizing their creations and participation in the virtual economy.

The fNFTs, the rep added, function within the metaverse by providing interactive and dynamic elements that traditional NFTs cannot offer, including customizing avatars, participating in commerce, and engaging in various in-world activities.

“The June 20 event is a pivotal moment for Utherverse in showcasing its state-of-the-art approach to integrating fNFTs,” the rep concluded. “This launch aims to enhance the user experience and set a new standard for digital interaction and economic engagement in the metaverse.”

For more information, visit Utherverse.io.

CHATSWORTH, Calif. — Holiday Products is shipping the latest of Classic Brands’ Coochy Collection shave cream fragrances, Berry Bliss. 

The new scent, a rep noted, “boasts top notes of bright wild strawberry, succulent raspberry and sparkling champagne accord, then opens up to heart notes of tender muguet blooms, white peach, and pineapple flower. Lingering base notes of sheer woods and creamy musk finish off this refreshing and bright fragrance.”

Coochy rash-free shave creams by Classic Brands contain keratin, lanolin, and jojoba, plus Panthenol (Vitamin B5).

Classic Brands’ Director of Product Development and Growth Marketing Cassie Pendleton said, “Coochy Berry Bliss is everything folks have come to love about the best in intimate shave cream with a vibrant new mood boosting scent sure to please. The new fragrance is primed to be a sweet summer addition to store shelves.”

Berry Bliss is available in 3.4-, 7.2- and 12.5-ounce tubes, plus a 32-ounce pump bottle. The release includes a new presentation for sample or trial-size in a 0.5-ounce tube.

Holiday’s Director of Purchasing and Inventory Susanna Molina notes, “Using a tube rather than a foil is so smart. It’s more convenient because you can reseal the tube, plus the perceived value is outstanding.” 

For more information, visit HolidayProducts.com or email sales@holidayproducts.com.

LOS ANGELES — AdultPrime.com has debuted a new AI image-generation feature for its members.

Users of AdultPrime AI can generate content by using a list of optional pre-sets or just typing a description of the picture.

The feature is included free for paying members for up to 25 daily uses. The generator can be used by members only, but the pictures are visible for all visitors.

The AI function includes five different types of generators: realistic, anime, 3D-animation, semi-realistic and general.

Parent company IMC’s Roald Riepen said, “We have been testing AdultPrime AI for some time now and members are loving it. More importantly, besides the fun factor, it also gives users another reason to stick to the network.”

For more information, visit AdultPrime.com.

Jun 18, 2024 4:00 PM PDT

PATTAYA, Thailand — Katie of Blossm is the latest guest on the “Adult Site Broker Talk.” podcast.

Katie discusses being an anonymous adult content creator and a business development analyst with Blossm, a company that promotes porn content creators, agencies, and enterprises, according to a rep. She is also a former marine scientist, a licensed captain, and a veteran.

“My chat with Katie was awesome,” said Bruce, the podcast host and CEO of Adult Site Broker. “She’s intelligent, has lived a very interesting life, and has done many things at a young age. I know you’ll enjoy it.”

The episode is streaming on AdultSiteBrokerTalk.

Jun 18, 2024 3:59 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES — Khloe Kingsley stars in three new scenes for New Sensations, VR Bangers and TeamSkeet.

First, Kingsley stars with Kelsey Kane in “Khloe Kingsley Finds Kelsey Kane So Pink So Tight,” for NewSensations.

Next, she stars alongside Haley Spade in the latest VR Bangers scene, “Anal Influencers.”

“Prom Queens at Home,” from TeamSkeet, features Kingsley, Stella Luxx, Axel Haze and Jayden Marcos.

“Filming these amazing scenes with the best studios, creators and talent has been an amazing experience,” said Kingsley. “I just love to work; it keeps me motivated and excited about my craft. Each of these scenes represents a chance to challenge myself as an artist, because there’s no feeling like being on set with true professionals who share the same dedication to creating something special. I’m excited for audiences to see these scenes and experience the magic we’ve brought to life.”

Follow Khloe Kingsley on X.com.

Jun 18, 2024 3:58 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES — DreamCam will livestream a EuroCup-themed VR show on June 22, at 2 p.m. (PDT).

The stream will feature Olivia Jazz, Cristal Gold, SkinnyAlice, SkinnyAmy and Angelbae.

“Each of the performers will not only delight with their charms and erotic dances but also show their support for a European football team,” said a rep. “Prepare your headset for a fully immersive experience, and join Dreamcam as we celebrate the EuroCup with unparalleled fun.”

The show will stream on DreamCam, SexLikeReal, Stripchat, Dezyred, VRPorn and VRBangers.

Follow Dreamcam on X.com.

Jun 18, 2024 3:57 PM PDT

LAS VEGAS — AltPorn has revealed its list of 2024 inductees to the AltStar Hall of Fame.

Announced at the AltStar Awards, this year’s inductees are Romi Rain, Killshot, Casey Kisses and Ashley Fontenot.

“When Romi Rain began performing, the industry was starting to accept tattooed performers, but Romi was a leader in being independent, not giving in to conformist pressure from any direction,” said a rep. “ Killshot has had an incredible influence on the whole structure of sharing and monetizing adult content, which is utilized by every premium social media platform today.

“The top trans performer on Chaturbate, Casey Kisses has helped popularize scenes of trans performers with cis women and helped break down barriers in the variety of adult production,” the rep continued. “Ashley Fontenot was one of just a handful of female photographers shooting alternative erotica in the early 2000’s heyday of altporn membership sites, and she was also one of the first to mix altmodels with fetish, glam and vintage pinup.”

For more information, visit Altporn.net.

Jun 18, 2024 3:56 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES — August Skye has joined the AI fan platform My.Club.

“I’m thrilled to work with My.Club and offer fans a new way to interact with me and give them a way to live out their naughtiest fantasies,” said Skye. “AI is the next wave of adult entertainment and this platform gives my fans the luxury of me chatting and engaging with them whenever they want.”

My.Club VP Mike Ford enthused about the partnership.

“August Skye is one of the hottest rising stars in the industry and we’re so excited to work with her on the platform,” he said. “Through this partnership, we’re able to amplify her dedication to giving fans an immersive and sexy experience with our AI innovation.”

Visit August Skye on My.Club; follow her on X.com.

CHICAGO — A lawsuit filed under Illinois’ unusual state law targeting biometric data collection has spotlighted an AI program used by X since 2015 to identify nudity and NSFW images.

The lawsuit is a proposed class action suit filed by lawyers on behalf of Chicago resident Mark Martell in 2023, alleging that X — the platform formerly known as Twitter — was in violation of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, commonly known as BIPA.

As XBIZ reported, plaintiff lawyers filing BIPA suits in Illinois have been known to target big tech companies such as Google, OnlyFans, Shutterfly and others. During one of these actions, Facebook once agreed to pay a $650 million settlement over BIPA issues.

Martell’s complaint alleges that “since approximately 2015, Twitter has implemented software to police pornographic and other not-safe-for-work (‘NSFW’) images uploaded to the site. NSFW images are then ‘tagged’ by Twitter as such, preventing them from being viewed by people who do not wish to view them.”

The complaint adds that in analyzing each image uploaded to Twitter to determine “whether it contains nudity (or any other qualities that Twitter deems objectionable), Twitter actively collects,  captures and/or otherwise obtains; stores; and/or makes use of the biometric identifiers and biometric information of any individual included in each photo.”

On Thursday, however, Illinois federal judge Sunil R. Harjani threw out Martell’s lawsuit, but left the door open for the plaintiff to file an amended complaint by June 27.

At the core of Martell’s lawsuit is X’s usage of the third-party software PhotoDNA, developed by Microsoft. The lawsuit also mentions a 2015 article by Wired magazine that refers to an in-house AI technology developed by Twitter in 2014 after it acquired Madbits, a pioneering AI startup founded by NYU researcher Clément Farabet.

“When Farabet and his MadBits crew joined Twitter last summer, Alex Roetter—the company’s head of engineering—told them to build a system that could automatically identify NSFW images on its popular social network,” Wired reported at the time. “A year later, that AI is in place.”

Martell alleges that X’s AI scans images “without first making certain disclosures and securing written, informed permission from Illinois users posting photos” as required under Illinois’ BIPA, Law 360 reported.

U.S. District Judge Harjani ruled that PhotoDNA’s creation of a “hash,” or  unique digital signature, of one of Martell’s images does not amount to “a scan of his facial geometry in violation of BIPA,” the report added.

The judge defined “biometric identifier” for BIPA purposes as “a retina or iris scan, fingerprint, voiceprint, or scan of hand or face geometry,” thus excluding photos.

“While plaintiff alleged that PhotoDNA scanned the photo to create a unique hash, plaintiff did not allege facts indicating that the hash is a scan of face geometry, as opposed to merely a record of the photo,” Judge Harjani wrote. “Plaintiff’s allegations leave open the question of whether the hash is a unique representation of the entire photo or specific to the faces of the people in the picture.”

Industry attorney Corey Silverstein of Silverstein Legal told XBIZ, “I absolutely love this decision. Judge Harjani did an incredible job analyzing a very tricky issue. BIPA has turned into a goldmine for class action plaintiffs and their attorneys, and in my opinion the abuse of these types of claims has gotten completely out of hand. I hope that this will lead to prospective plaintiffs and their counsel to pause before filing baseless lawsuits.”

The plaintiff’s main contention is that making hash values of photos violates BIPA. plaintiff’s argument seems to be that services using PhotoDNA must hash all photos, including images showing people’s faces in their database to check if those photos match a hash value in the PhotoDNA database. The plaintiff seemingly argues that hashing the photo necessarily calculates the photo subjects’ face geometries. The court wasn’t buying what the plaintiff was selling, although the judge did grant leave to amend, meaning the plaintiff could amend its allegations and take another crack at its claim.”