DENVER – A coalition representing the porn industry has asked a court to block federal regulations requiring pornographers and distributors to keep records of their performers' ages and identities.
The regulations, approved by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales (search) in May, could stop the distribution of pornographic material produced since the mid-1990s, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court in Denver.
The regulations require producers to keep detailed information to verify the identity and age of their performers, including date of birth, legal name, and a copy of a photo identification card. The rules, which would take effect June 23, aim to stop child pornography and ensure the performers are not minors.
They would apply to adult material dating to July 3, 1995. Violators face up to five years in prison for a first offense and 10 years for subsequent violations.
The Free Speech Coalition (search), its chapter in Colorado, a pornography distributor, and an adult film producer filed the lawsuit seeking to block the regulations. They argue that the guidelines are an unconstitutional burden and would do little to protect children.
Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, said he had not yet seen the case.
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