CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Adult trade group the Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced Thursday that U.K.-based industry veteran Vince Charlton has stepped up to serve as the organization's Age Verification Policy Liaison, with a special focus on the U.K. and Europe, as it works to more proactively engage legislators and regulators.
“We can’t just battle bad legislation in the courts, we need to be involved in the rulemaking process from the beginning,” FSC executive director Alison Boden said. “Vince has extensive connections and experience, and can help us get into the rooms we need to be in. I’m incredibly thankful to have him on board, and grateful for his generosity in donating his time and experience. We’re all eager to get to work.”
Known for his management roles with U.K.-based platform AdultWork.com, Charlton has always maintained a strong focus on child protection and trafficking issues. Charlton was heavily involved in the age-verification debate over the Digital Economy Act through his previous pro-bono involvement with Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP).
Charlton retired from AdultWork.com in September. Following retirement, he felt the call to give something back to the industry through pro bono work.
“While I’m a staunch believer in the fight to prevent children from viewing adult content, I just as firmly believe in protecting the free speech rights of the industry,” Charlton said. “I’m looking to provide the FSC with a seat at the U.K. policy making table, where we can have a real voice. We need to kick back against the more disingenuous attacks on the industry whilst also exploring ways in which we can all work together to tackle the very real issue of underage access.”
