INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, a far-right Republican, has started sending out cease-and-desist letters to adult entertainment platforms that haven’t deployed age-gating measures to comply with the state’s age verification statute, AVN has confirmed.
The cease-and-desist notice requires the platform owners to recognize the need for compliance in the Indiana digital space within two weeks.
A spokesperson for Rokita’s office, speaking on background, confirmed to AVN that letters are being sent, including a recent round to major adult platforms. Some of the platforms targeted by letters so far include a major clip platform, a VOD/DVD provider, a streaming content provider, and an array of gay and straight paysites.
The spokesperson also confirmed that more cease-and-desist letters are expected in the coming weeks and months. They explained, “The office can confirm that we take this enforcement authority very seriously and have concerns that companies may not be complying with this new law."
The letters also promise enforcement action, including civil penalties of potentially $250,000, as well as the costs of investigation, litigation, and enforcement.
Several attorneys who represent adult entertainment industry clients, including platforms and individual content creators, have confirmed this further. One attorney speaking on the condition of anonymity confirmed several of their clients received letters from Attorney General Rokita’s office in Indianapolis.
Attorney Corey Silverstein also confirmed to AVN that he had reviewed several of Rokita’s letters. Silverstein could not comment further, citing his clients’ confidentiality.
AVN additionally informed the Free Speech Coalition, the trade group representing adult entertainment companies in several lawsuits, including at the U.S. Supreme Court, of the letters. Alison Boden, executive director of the coalition, declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.
This is a developing story.
