The annual Adult Novelty Expo (ANE) featured a panel discussion on age verification compliance for the novelty and sexual wellness sectors.

Expert Panel Discusses Age Verification Challenges

The panel, led by Kim Airs of AVN, took place on Thursday, January 22, at the ANE event in Las Vegas. The discussion focused on the growing crisis of companies in the adult novelty sector receiving the same treatment as adult film studios under age verification laws.

Alison Boden, executive director of the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), highlighted the FSC's efforts to address this issue through lobbying and advocacy. She noted that the FSC has a subgroup, the Sexual Wellness Professional Alliance (SWPA), which represents professionals in the industry.

Impact on Adult Novelty Sector

The panelists emphasized the broad impact of age verification laws on the adult novelty sector. They explained how these laws can affect not only online businesses but also brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce providers.

Sherri Shaulis, an AVN alumna and catalog manager at eLine.com, shared her experience with age verification compliance. She noted that companies in this space often face the same challenges as adult film studios under these laws.

Industry Response to Age Verification Challenges

The panelists discussed various solutions and strategies for addressing the challenges posed by age verification laws. They emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with industry developments and best practices in compliance.

Alexis Lichterman, senior vice president of sales at merchant services provider Mentom Payments, highlighted the need for companies to adapt to changing regulations and technologies. She noted that her company provides solutions for age verification and other compliance issues.

Key Facts

  • The panel discussion took place on Thursday, January 22, at the ANE event in Las Vegas.
  • The discussion focused on the growing crisis of companies in the adult novelty sector receiving the same treatment as adult film studios under age verification laws.
  • Alison Boden, executive director of the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), highlighted the FSC's efforts to address this issue through lobbying and advocacy.
  • The panelists emphasized the broad impact of age verification laws on the adult novelty sector, affecting not only online businesses but also brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce providers.